How to Conduct Training Exercises

Transcription

FM 25-4 Table of Contents
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Homepage Information Instructions
Field Manual
No. 25-4
FM 25-4
HEADQUARTERS
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Washington, DC, 10 September 1984
FM 25-4
HOW TO CONDUCT
TRAINING EXERCISES
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1 - Training Management and Training Exercises
Chapter 2 - Exercise Planning
Chapter 3 - Conduct of Training Exercises
Appendix A - Scenario Example
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FM 25-4 Table of Contents
Appendix B - CS and CSS in Exercises
Appendix C - Opposing Forces
Appendix D - Exercise Control
Appendix E - Controllers, Umpires, and Evaluators
Appendix F - Assessment and Computation Tables
Appendix G - Postexercise Activities
Glossary
References
Authorization Letter
DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
*This publication supersedes FM 105-5, 31 December 1973.
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FM 25-4 Preface
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FM 25-4 Preface
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FM 25-4 Chptr 1 Training Management and Training Exercises
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CHAPTER 1
Training Management and Training Exercises
TRAINING MANAGEMENT
Commanders are responsible for all organizational training. They evaluate soldier and unit proficiency.
They identify the training objectives and provide the necessary training guidance. They ensure that the
training is supported with the needed resources and that it is properly planned and conducted. They then
conduct and evaluate the training and obtain feedback.
Training management is the continuous process commanders use to develop unit training programs. The
goal of training management is the best combination of resources, materials, guidance, and time to meet
specific training requirements. The training management functions depicted in Figure 1 apply equally to
training exercises and to all training conducted in a unit. All management functions in the process take
place at the same time. Training management and its applications are explained in detail in FM 25-2.
PLANNING
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Planning for training requires input from several sources. Commanders and their planners must know the
unit missions, goals, and objectives and the guidance from higher headquarters. They evaluate unit and
soldier proficiency and obtain feedback from recent unit training activities. Commanders add their
knowledge and experience to this basic information and develop training programs that specifically
address unit and soldier training requirements.
RESOURCES
Training plans specify training events or activities that require resources and support. To implement those
plans, resource actions-●
Identify.
●
Program.
●
Coordinate.
●
Obtain.
●
Provide the training support necessary.
Training events and activities identified during the planning phase provide input for the assessment of
resources required to conduct effective training. Feedback on how well current and past training was
supported with resources is also essential input in preparation of the resource assessment.
CONTENTS
TRAINING MANAGEMENT
Planning
Resources
Training
Evaluations
TRAINING EXERCISES
Purposes
Phases
During long-range planning, commanders and their staffs identify and request resources that require long
lead times. During short-range planning, they identify and coordinate resources requiring shorter lead
times. In the near-term planning period, they make final arrangements and provide resources to units.
TRAINING
Training can be as simple as performance-oriented training on a soldiers manual task. It can also be as
complex as a field training exercise (FTX) using MILES and opposing forces (OPFORs). The training
phase requires guidance with appropriate resources based on long-range, short-range, and near-term
plans. FM 25-3 provides directions and examples for the conduct of training.
EVALUATIONS
Evaluation is a continuous process. Commanders continually evaluate planning and resource actions to
ensure that they meet unit needs and comply with guidance from higher headquarters. Higher
headquarters evaluate their own planning and resource actions, as well as those of subordinate units to
make sure that they are mutually supporting and focus on the unit mission. Commanders at all echelons
evaluate how leaders and soldiers perform. Based upon their evaluations, commanders provide feedback
to the chain of command, to the trainers, and to those being trained.
TRAINING EXERCISES
Training in units develops and sustains those individual and collective skills that soldiers and units
(including squads, crews, and sections) need to accomplish their missions. To help soldiers' and leaders
learn and sustain their skills, commanders develop training programs that implement the best mix of
individual, leader, and collective training.
Training in units follows the hierarchy in Figure 2, which FM 25-1 and FM 25-2 discuss in detail. FM 253 assists leaders and trainers to conduct training at company level and below. Collective training involves
the upper four levels of the hierarchy. The training exercises described in this manual also apply to these
levels but concentrate on unit and combined arms and services proficiency.
PURPOSES
The diversity of organizations, equipment, and environment inherent in air-land battles presents a major
challenge to commanders. They must train soldiers and leaders who can effectively integrate the unit's
weapon systems and doctrine to defeat an enemy that may be numerically superior. Training exercises are
an effective way to build the team-work necessary to meet this challenge. All training exercises-●
Sustain and reinforce individual and collective skills.
●
Develop and sustain command and control skills of commanders and their staffs.
●
Support multiechelon training.
Individual and Collective Skills
Training exercises combine individual skills, leader skills, drills, and weapon systems proficiency.
Training exercises reinforce and sustain proficiency in individual and collective skills in units. In
addition, exercises provide training on collective tasks found in Army Training and Evaluation Programs
(ARTEPs) and integrate all elements of the combined arms team. ARTEP tasks are modified as required
to accommodate each unit's METT.
Command and Control Skills
Command and control training sustains skill proficiency for leaders, staffs, and individual soldiers. It
reinforces common skills and those particular to duty positions. It trains each echelon to respond to the
needs of higher, lower, adjacent, and attached combat, combat support (CS), and combat service support
(CSS) units. Responding to subordinate units is particularly important. Inexperienced commanders and
staffs tend to orient themselves to respond upward and overlook the needs of subordinate units. One of
the prime purposes of training exercises is to teach leaders to orient on the needs of subordinate units in a
sequence of timely troop-leading steps that allow units to execute the mission properly.
Doctrine and training support materials for command and control training include such items as
scenarios, simulation models, and recommended task lists. The unit can adapt these materials to address
its unique METT assessment. Command and control training packages prepared by proponent service
schools support MOS cross training and train-up and sustainment training. These packages are for each
echelon of the command, including combat support and combat service support.
To win air-land battles, all elements of the combined arms and services team must be integrated and need
to function effectively on the battlefield. Commanders must be competent in their command and control
tasks. Battle staffs must be proficient in executing staff planning responsibilities to achieve full
integration of supporting arms and services. Training that enhances these skills should receive emphasis
at battalion level and above. The three categories of command and control training are battle staff
training, survivability training, and combined arms and services training.
Battle Staff Training. Battle staff training allows commanders and their staffs to fight air-land battles in
diverse command post configurations under realistic combat conditions as smoothly functioning teams.
This training is vital to command and control of units. It develops the proficiency of individual staff
members and molds them into trained teams that can effectively manage and coordinate all systems to
support the command's mission. Such training requires that individual staff members know the unit's
tactical SOPs (TSOPs) thoroughly. The TSOPs must be updated as appropriate to address changes in unit
operations. Battle staff training relies heavily on simulations since they are often the only way to present
many air-land battle situations and tasks to enable the commander to train his staff.
Survivability Training. Survivability training ensures proficiency during intense and continuous combat.
It ensures that individual soldiers and teams can operate effectively in a variety of situations. It involves
those routine tasks that units must perform well to ensure their survival. Examples include-●
Operations in nuclear, biological, or chemical (NBC) environments.
●
Operations in hostile electronic warfare (EW) environments.
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Operations using various command post (CP) configurations.
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Operations required to feed, arm, fuel, and maintain the units' command and control elements.
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Procedures for succession of command.
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Limited visibility operations.
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Activation of alternate communication methods.
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Activation of alternate command posts.
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The hand-off between command posts (tactical CP to main CP).
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Passive air defense.
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Local security, to include calls for indirect fire and close air support.
Most survivability tasks are detailed in SOPs and provide standardization within a unit. Thus, they can be
practiced prior to exercises. There is often no effective substitute, however, for full-scale exercises using
all assigned equipment and personnel in a simulated combat environment to assess unit survivability
proficiency in an environment that simultaneously employs all systems to full capacity.
Combined Arms and Services Training. Proficiency in combined arms and services training is required
for units, staffs, and commanders to fight and win air-land battles. Examples of systems required to be
integrated into training are-●
Fire support.
●
Intelligence.
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Electronic warfare.
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Airspace management.
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Air defense artillery.
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Ground maneuver.
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Antiarmor.
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Combat support.
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Combat service support.
A single level of command and control first attains proficiency through battle staff training and
survivability training. Battle simulations are an important means currently available for commanders and
staffs to practice combined arms integration. Once technical proficiency by the battle staff has been
achieved, it should be integrated with supporting, supported, and adjacent units in full-scale exercises
against a target array or OPFOR that realistically represents the enemy. Although the battlefield cannot
be replicated completely, it should be represented accurately to include electronic warfare, sensor, and
electronic intelligence targeting. Training aids such as emitters, transponders, jammers, and OPFOR
vehicles to represent the enemy formations allow the commander to train the unit to operate under
combat conditions.
PHASES
Training exercises contain three phases: preexercise, execution, and postexercise. The preexercise phase
covers planning and preparation. It ends with the start of the execution phase (STARTEX). The execution
phase begins at STARTEX and concludes with the end of the exercise (ENDEX). During the execution
phase, player units participate in the exercise, which is controlled and evaluated according to plans
developed during the preexercise. The postexercise phase, beginning at ENDEX, covers reviews and
reports. All training events and exercises should conclude with after-action reviews (AARs). These
reviews provide training as substantive as the activity itself. In AARs, commanders determine
accomplishment of exercise objectives based on input from staffs, controllers, evaluators, umpires, and
OPFORs, as appropriate. Participants should be. encouraged to discuss what happened and why. They
should be encouraged to suggest solutions and offer recommendations. To overcome short-comings,
exercise participants can make a valuable contribution to training evaluation efforts by gathering
information and analyzing the critical lessons learned. These lessons become essential elements of
information (EEI) for commanders and trainers in the ongoing training management process. AARs must
be conducted periodically during the exercise to gain maximum training benefit.
AARs should be used at every echelon, and they should occur as often as necessary to ensure that
participants learn from the training conducted. If the exercise divides into deployment, attack, and
defense, for example, an AAR should be conducted after each phase. If significant events, such as a
movement to initial positions and a deliberate river crossing, occur in a phase, an AAR should likewise
be held after each significant training event. Appendix G contains additional information on AARs.
As soon after ENDEX as possible and prior to leaving the exercise area, controllers, umpires, and
evaluators conduct an exit briefing for those players with whom they were closely associated during the
execution phase. As soon after ENDEX as possible, the exercise director prepares a formal after-action
report for the unit commander. This report, which is distributed through the chain of command, is based
on input from controllers, umpires, and evaluators. These reports and the AARs that precede them
summarize the exercise. Commanders use them both to observe and evaluate staffs, leaders, and soldiers
and to plan future training. The best use of these evaluations is to apply lessons learned to training within
the near term (two through six weeks), rather than to file for review prior to the execution of the next
major exercise.
FM 25-4 Chptr 2 Exercise Planning
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CHAPTER 2
Exercise Planning
ANALYSIS
During the planning phase of training management, commanders at each echelon determine the need for
training exercises and identify the types they will use. The need for an exercise is based upon-●
Higher headquarters' analysis of subordinate unit proficiency.
●
Higher headquarters' issuance of the missions, goals, objectives, and guidance.
●
Commanders' evaluations of unit and soldier proficiency.
Higher headquarters employ the exercise planning steps explained in this chapter when directing
subordinate units to participate in training exercises. Subordinate units also employ applicable planning
steps based on information and orders received from higher headquarters. When commanders direct
internal exercises, they must ensure that the exercises meet unit training needs and objectives.
Commanders must first analyze soldier, leader, and unit training proficiency. Then they select a particular
type of training exercise. A training analysis must first establish the training requirements and the
priorities for unit training programs, as described in FM 25-2. This analysis also determines the training
objectives, which are based on the individual and collective skills that need initial or sustainment training.
In so doing, the analysis must consider the three categories of command and control training:
●
Battle staff training.
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Survivability training.
●
Combined arms training.
One or more of these categories must be included in the unit training objectives and integrated in the
exercise. The exercise objectives should be specific, relevant, realistically obtainable, measurable, and
supportive of exercise goals. Exercise objectives should be organized into functional areas to highlight
activities that need improvement. Properly stated objectives provide players, controllers, umpires, and
evaluators with a solid basis for conducting their evaluation and AARs. When the exercise objectives are
established, the type of exercise to be conducted can be selected.
CONTENTS
ANALYSIS
SELECTION
CONSIDERATIONS
Flexibility
Resources
Participants
Battle Simulations
Situational Training Exercises
PREEXERCISE PLANS
Preparing an Exercise Directive
Assigning Responsibilities
Planning Milestones
Conducting Research
Preparing a Supporting Plan Schedule
Preparing an Outline Plan
Conducting a Reconnaissance
Completing the Exercise Support Plans
Preparing the Scenario
Preparing an Operation Plan
Publishing the Letter of Instruction
Preparing a Contingency Plan
Preparing the Terrain
Conducting a Rehearsal
An exercise must never be conducted simply for its own sake. It must always help to attain training
objectives, which are tied to the unit mission.
SELECTION
Once the initial analysis is completed, commanders determine the type of exercises to be conducted.
Comparing the objectives with the kind of training that each exercise provides, they identify the proper
exercise, within resource constraints, that can best meet the objectives. Table 1 shows the exercises that
best fit the command and control training categories for each echelon of command.
Map exercises (MAPEXs) are employed to teach staff planning and coordination, as well as preparation
of estimates and operations orders. They are not conducted below battalion level. Commanders employ
tactical exercises without troops (TEWTs) to teach the effective use of terrain to subordinate leaders.
TEWTs involve specific tactical problems, employing unite and weapon systems. Command post
exercises (CPXs) are effective in training members of staffs, command posts, and communications
systems above company level. FTXs provide realistic survivability and combined arms training for the
total force. Battle staff sustainment training does occur in FTXs. However, to preclude the delays and
inefficient use of troop-leading time that normally occur in the preliminary training of the staff, they
should not be selected solely for this purpose. Battle staff skills should be sharpened through CPXs,
TEWTs, and MAPEXs prior to an FTX.
Table 2 aids in selecting the appropriate exercise. It shows training exercises and some of the systems and
objectives that can be trained effectively. The "X" indicates the exercise which best affords realistic
training in the employment of the system or attainment of the objective indicated. For example, the
training objective "Staff procedures" is shown only for the MAPEX, CPX, and command field exercise
(CFX) since they are the most effective ways to train those objectives.
CONSIDERATIONS
FLEXIBILITY
The planning phase must recognize the value of flexibility and the necessity for being thorough. Planners
must plan for alternate types of exercises in case weather or other constraints prohibit the originally
scheduled exercise. For example, if a brigade needs an FTX but there is a chance of funds being reduced
or the possibility of excessive maneuver damage, contingency plans for a CFX or CPX should be
prepared concurrently.
Exercises must be flexible. They should allow subordinate commanders the freedom to innovate within
the framework of new or existing doctrine, tactics, techniques, and operating procedures. They should not
follow rigid timetables that inhibit training and learning. Instead, they should establish schedules that
provide sufficient time to correct mistakes and ensure learning and AARs at all levels.
RESOURCES
Once a headquarters decides to conduct a training exercise, the needed resources must be identified and
procedures begun to obtain them, in accordance with the training management procedures described in
FM 25-2. The general steps below must be taken before beginning detailed work. They indicate whether
the exercise can meet the training objectives. If any area appears inadequate, the commander must decide
whether to proceed or consider an alternate training activity.
Facilities and Land
Planners must consider the environment for the exercise and the impact of weather. If inadequate land or
facilities will seriously degrade training, planners may have to alter the exercises. For example, if an FTX
has been selected but the available training areas are not large enough to allow unit tactics to be
realistically played, the planners may-●
Reduce the number of units in the exercise.
●
Use a MAPEX or a CPX in place of an FTX.
●
Conduct the exercise at a lower echelon.
Range facilities in the continental United States (CONUS) usually limit LFXs to company team level. The
exception is the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California. At the NTC, resources and
distances permit LFXs at battalion task force level. Except for scaled range training, range limitations also
restrict fire coordination exercises (FCXs) to small units. Battle staff training during FCXs is generally
limited to-●
Fire support coordination.
●
Fire control.
●
Preparation and issuance of plans and orders.
When exercises use privately owned land, planners must also consider maneuver damage control.
Support
Training exercises require support. Some exercises consume large quantities of allocated resources such
as fuel, spare parts, flying hours, and maneuver area time. The planners must ensure that the exercises can
be conducted within the resource levels and that the training received justifies the resources expended.
Commanders and staffs ensure that internal and external support equipment is sufficient. For example,
communications and transportation for players, controllers, umpires, and evaluators must be adequate.
Player units, including HQs, should use only organic transportation, communications, and TOE
equipment. Doing so teaches them to employ the full capabilities of the unit. They should not rely on
outside assistance to replace systems that are not mission capable or to beef up the authorized strength of
the staff. Controller, umpire, and evaluator equipment must not come from player units.
Time
The time allocated for each exercise must permit appropriate troop-leading steps to be exercised, as well
as develop tactical situations that lead to logical and sound tactical employment of player units. The time
should also be allocated for conducting complete logistical support of tactical operations, as well as for an
appropriate AAR.
PARTICIPANTS
Planners must consider whether or not units or groups of individuals to be trained are of the proper size or
strength to benefit from the type of exercise selected. For example, the soldiers of a tank platoon
consisting of two-man tank crews can be expected to gain very little from an LFX. Personnel shortages
might also cause commanders to conduct CFXs rather than FTXs.
BATTLE SIMULATIONS
Battle simulations, both manual and computer-supported or computer-assisted, provide effective training
in many battle staff skills. Battle simulations can be used with virtually any scenario. They are readily
adapted to specific local conditions and unit missions.
Simulations will not correct all command and control training problems or substitute for field training. If
properly used, they can provide a readily acceptable means for exercising significant elements of the
command and control system.
Battle simulations have the following characteristics:
●
They are relatively inexpensive.
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They do not require large training areas.
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They save training time.
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They reduce preexercise and postexercise requirements.
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They are flexible and easily tailored to unique training objectives.
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They can present situations (nuclear, chemical, tactical air) that cannot be reproduced in other
training environments because of safety or expense.
Battle simulations encourage multiechelon training. Higher and lower echelons can be exercised
simultaneously with a minimum expenditure of valuable training resources. Simulations can portray joint
service operations involving the Air Force, Navy, and Marines, as well as the combined elements of other
nations. Battle simulations can also portray various equipment mixes or degraded operations, allowing
commanders and staffs to exercise back-up systems and procedures.
Battle simulations provide realistic cues and feedback to the command as a result of decisions made by
higher, lower, and adjacent units. Each command group executes and subsequently modifies its plans,
based on the situation. Simulations force command groups to adjust plans, organizations, assets, and
firepower to cope with changing battlefield situations. They may also force adjustments in command post
configurations and procedures to deal effectively with unforeseen situations.
Battle simulations can create unique mixtures of organizations, equipment, missions, and operational
situations. They do this while realistically portraying the unit METT. Questions and comments about
battle simulations may be addressed to Deputy Commandant, Command and General Staff College,
ATTN: ATSL-SWN, Fort Leaven-worth, KS 66027; AUTOVON 552-4612/2442, Commercial (913) 6844612/2442.
Tactical engagement simulations such as MILES add significant realism to field exercises. They do so by
confronting leaders and soldiers with realistic simulations of direct fire weapon systems in a training
environment. Only units that have demonstrated high levels of proficiency during battle drill and
situational training exercises should use MILES for training. Because MILES is the most realistic training
short of actual combat, it should be approached with detailed planning that keeps the training objectives
clearly in mind. For details on the planning and use of MILES, see TC 25-6.
SITUATIONAL TRAINING EXERCISES
The use of situational training exercises (STXs) should be considered in the development of an exercise.
They teach the "best" or preferred way to accomplish a task and are a standard way in which a task should
be executed. They are developed by the service schools to teach the doctrinally preferred way to perform
a specific mission. FM 25-3 explains the STX concept. STXs can facilitate training through the
application of standardized tactical formations and employment. Thus, they should be considered in
planning and preparing for an exercise, whenever appropriate.
PREEXERCISE PLANS
The preexercise is usually the longest of the three exercise phases. For large exercises, such as the FTX
portion of Redeployment of Forces to Germany (REFORGER), this phase can take longer than a year.
The preexercise phase develops all the support plans that govern the execution and postexercise phases.
Planning begins immediately after the decision has been made to conduct an exercise. The planning steps
listed below are used to prepare for an exercise. Specific exercises may omit some. These steps are
generally sequential; however, some may be performed simultaneously.
●
Preparing an exercise directive.
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Assigning responsibilities for planning.
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Conducting research.
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Preparing a supporting plan schedule.
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Preparing an outline plan.
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Conducting a reconnaissance.
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Completing the exercise support plans.
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Preparing the scenario.
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Preparing and issuing the operations plan (OPLAN).
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Publishing the letter of instruction (LOI).
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Preparing the terrain.
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Conducting a rehearsal.
The training objectives and the echelon at which the exercise is to be conducted deter-mine how complex
these steps will become. For example, at battalion level there may be little or no need to conduct detailed
research or to write a planning schedule. Much of the planning can take place during training meetings.
However, at division level, research and written planning schedules are necessary. They can be the key to
a successful exercise.
PREPARING AN EXERCISE DIRECTIVE
The headquarters requesting or conducting the exercise issues an exercise directive. It starts the
development process.
Before preparing the exercise directive, the exercise planner carefully considers the purpose of the
exercise, the objectives stated or implied by the commander, and guidance from higher headquarters. The
objectives are the basis for planning and developing the exercise directive. An exercise directive will-●
Name the exercise director and provide for a staff. These personnel will plan the exercise.
●
Specify what type of exercise to conduct and state its specific training objectives.
●
Indicate the time frame for the exercise, its physical location, and the duration of its execution
phase. The location, time, and duration must be consistent with the type of exercise selected, the
participating units, and the training objectives.
●
Prescribe the type and number of participating units.
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Identify the type and quantity of special equipment required.
●
Provide additional information such as funding, environment, and any pertinent assumptions.
Funding data should specify both fund citations and fund limitations. Environmental information
should describe the strategic setting to be played during the exercise. It should describe the type of
exercise envisaged such as general or limited warfare or internal defense operations. It should also
include area and background studies pertinent to the exercise site.
ASSIGNING RESPONSIBILITIES
Planning and conducting a large exercise requires the same attention to detail as an actual combat
operation. The exercise director and designated staff are responsible for planning and conducting the
exercise to meet the training objectives stated in the exercise directive. See Figure 3 for a summary of
planning staff duties and coordination. Normally, the planning staff G3/S3 acts as the principal
coordinator for the exercise director.
PLANNING MILESTONES
Developed early in the process, milestones will ensure full and timely completion of the planning effort.
Typical milestones for a brigade-size FTX are shown in Table 4. The planning milestones to support a
large division exercise would be more extensive and include such actions as establishing budget
requirements and acquiring maneuver land permits. Exercises that involve Reserve Component units also
require extra planning and preparation time.
CONDUCTING RESEARCH
New missions spawn new tactical doctrine. In turn, the new doctrine generates requirements for improved
weapon systems, equipment, and organizations. Thus, exercise planners must be thoroughly familiar with
doctrine, TOES, and equipment requirements prior to development of training exercises. Exercise
planners must conduct appropriate research to update controllers and participants prior to STARTEX. The
intelligence staff provides the information for making the OPFOR and the combat environment realistic.
Realism maintains the participants' interest and enthusiasm.
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date training support may come from Reserve Component activities such as maneuver area commands
(MACs) or maneuver training commands (MTCs). These organizations develop and conduct exercises for
Reserve Component units. Planners may request model training exercises developed by proponent service
schools. Use of the models may save considerable planning time by providing examples and format
guides. Planners should consider battle simulation kits, available through training and audiovisual support
centers (TASCs) or training resource assistance centers (TRACs). They should consult after-action reports
and lessons learned from previous exercises. Planners should also consult administrative references.
These ensure that the exercise planning is consistent with policy governing the safety and welfare of the
participants. Post and garrison regulations, range regulations, and unit SOPs are always pertinent and
should be reviewed prior to the publication of exercise plans.
PREPARING A SUPPORTING PLAN SCHEDULE
Training exercises must have complete, workable supporting plans. Exercises may fail to accomplish all
intended training objectives if planners overlook guidance essential for conducting them. The supporting
plan schedule lists all the major plans required for the exercise. It also designates the staff officer
responsible for each plan and the time when it must be submitted for the commander's approval. The
amount of time required to produce the plan will vary with the experience of the planning staff.
For a battalion-level exercise, the S3 prepares a planning schedule. It may be nothing more than a brief
written set of milestones which identifies the tasks to be trained. At corps and division levels, the planning
staff G3 prepares a planning schedule that calls for detailed supporting plans. The first step in preparing
this schedule is to determine the data that will be used as a basis for the exercise. Using backward
planning as described in FM 25-2, the G3 sets completion dates for each sup-porting plan based on its
required publication date. The schedule allows for timely planning and detailed coordination between
appropriate staff agencies.
PREPARING AN OUTLINE PLAN
The outline plan is the framework used to build the scenario--the story of the exercise. The procedures for
developing the outline plan depend on the size of the unit involved. In small-unit exercises at company
and battalion levels, the reconnaissance phase and the outline planning considerations are normally
combined. For large-unit exercises, these two phases are separated. Nonetheless, exercise directors and
staffs take the same actions in preparing outline plans for large-unit and small-unit exercises.
CONDUCTING A RECONNAISSANCE
Planners should make the most efficient use of land allocated for exercises. They should first study
updated maps of the areas with updated aerial photographs, if available. They should analyze the land to
determine its military features, including observation and fields of fire, cover and concealment, obstacles,
key terrain, and avenues of approach. For example, if an exercise starts with the mission "deliberate
attack," the planners should first select the final objective. They then plan backward, choosing a possible
assault position, a line of departure, an assembly area, and other control features normally used in the
attack.
Planners must select locations for OPFOR activities or positions where specific actions are to take place.
They conduct intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB) for each phase of the exercise, using US and
potential adversary doctrinal templates. Next, they select locations for roadblocks, road guards, and
control points. Then they determine the overall scheme of the operation by visualizing the employment of
the parent unit two command levels higher than the participating unit. For battalion exercises, they must
visualize the employment of the entire division.
In selecting the locations, planners must remember that they are limited to the areas designated for the
exercise. In special cases where the exercise may use land not owned by the military, they must get
approval to use such land and consider environmental impact during initial planning.
Plans must be developed that fully use the terrain but do not abuse it. The use of legs, as illustrated in
Figure 6, is one method of ensuring that terrain does not suffer from excessive maneuver damage.
Second, planners reconnoiter the ground to verify the tentative plan prepared from maps and aerial
photographs. Ground reconnaissance should consider such points as-●
The use of chemical agents and decontamination requirements.
●
The impact of tactical engagement simulations.
●
The effect of low visibility operations.
●
Maneuver damage and safety.
●
The impact of the equipment such as the M1 tank as compared to wheeled vehicles.
A ground reconnaissance validates the plan backward from the objective. It verifies that the plan is
appropriate for the participating units. At the objective, the planners critically examine the terrain, as
would an enemy commander, to determine the most realistic locations for scheduled activities. The
planners then move through the remaining portion of the area and determine the most realistic locations
for other planned events. The planners should change the original plan as necessary. Then they submit it
to the directing authority for approval before making any further plans. If the map and aerial photographic
reconnaissance has been thorough, the original plan may require only minor changes.
COMPLETING THE EXERCISE SUPPORT PLANS
For the training exercise to run smoothly and accomplish its objectives, written support plans must
contain practical guidance for the exercise participants. The plans discussed in this section are distributed
to the appropriate controllers, umpires, evaluators; OPFORS, and players.
Intelligence Plans
The planning staff G2 prepares the intelligence plan in coordination with the planning staff G3 and the
chief controller. The plan should provide for-●
OPFOR units to portray OPFOR tactics.
●
Realistic input of combat information.
●
Timely introduction of information into the exercise intelligence.
Before writing an intelligence plan, the G2 studies the directive and the scenario. In coordination with the
G3 and designated OPFOR commander, the G2 prepares a series of OPFOR situations. These will guide
the exercise in a scenario that reflects the tactical doctrine, capability, and vulnerability of the selected
adversary. The G2 then reconnoiters the terrain to ensure that the OPFOR situations are feasible. The
intelligence plan and its support documents must be carefully coordinated with the control plan and the
operations plan.
OPFOR Situation. This portion of the plan covers the various enemy situations that must be portrayed by
the OPFOR. To clarify it, planners prepare a situation overlay for each phase. Given the OPFOR
situations and overlays, the OPFOR commander makes a detailed plan of operations for the required
tasks. This plan includes simulating OPFOR units that are not physically portrayed.
The play of intelligence sources and agencies is described. These include-●
Aerial surveillance and reconnaissance.
●
Surveillance devices.
●
Patrols.
●
Signal intelligence.
●
Electronic intelligence.
●
Prisoners of war.
●
Technical intelligence.
Counterintelligence, guerrilla activities, enemy propaganda, counterpropaganda, and intelligence activities
in rear areas are also portrayed. Planners first determine what systems the player units have for collecting
this information. The types of intelligence portrayed by the OPFOR must be varied enough to exercise all
the intelligence collecting agencies of the player unit.
The NBC attack capabilities of the OPFOR are developed in enough detail to require the player units to
interpret the information gathered. Plans should be made for early dissemination of-●
Meteorological data.
●
Recent OPFOR NBC activities.
●
Intelligence bulletins on OPFOR equipment.
●
Unusual diseases.
●
Other pertinent information.
Whenever possible, OPFOR capabilities should be represented by replicating actual intelligence targets
for friendly units to detect. This not only refers to combat-electronic warfare intelligence (CEWI)
activities, but applies across the board for all systems. It is essential that exercises duplicate the tasks,
conditions, and standards that must be mastered to fight air-land battles in a realistic environment.
Situations are developed for disseminating electronic warfare support measures (ESM) information,
current OPFOR electronic warfare order of battle (OB), and recent OPFOR electronic warfare activities.
OPFOR tactical deception (TD) and counter-deception activities are standard parts of exercise scenarios.
They are necessary for realism. The TD story must be plausible, complete, and consistent with previous,
current, and anticipated OPFOR activity.
Intelligence information released to friendly forces must depict both the TD and the true exercise
activities of the OPFOR, though not necessarily at the same time. There should be enough information in
both categories so that friendly forces will have difficulty in reaching a quick decision about the OPFOR.
Information for bringing the play back to the intended path must also be ready in the event that friendly
forces accept the initial OPFOR TD activity as the true picture. OPFOR counterdeception activities
should be realistic and inhibit friendly development of TD activities. Planners always distinguish between
exercise and actual security and intelligence measures.
Directive to OPFOR Commander. The planning staff G2 prepares a directive outlining the OPFOR
commander's responsibilities. It cites the training objectives, announces the exercise dates, and specifies
the suspense date for the OPFOR commander's operation plan. The directive also defines the command
relationship between the OPFOR commander and the exercise director or chief controller.
Special Instructions to the OPFOR. These instructions are an enclosure to the OPFOR commander's
directive and outline matters of interest to the entire OPFOR unit. At a minimum, these instructions cover-●
The composition and identity of the OPFOR.
●
OPFOR uniforms and equipment.
●
Provisions for an orientation of OPFOR key personnel.
●
Guidance for conducting OPFOR training.
●
●
●
Preexercise training area allocation.
A rehearsal schedule for OPFORs. Rehearsals may be MAPEXs, terrain walks, CPXs, FTXs, or a
combination of these.
OPFOR conduct during the exercise. This includes actions taken with prisoners of war (PWs) and
as PWs.
Appendix C is a detailed discussion of the OPFOR, its use, and the training it requires.
Intelligence Information Distribution. This plan provides the scheme of intelligence play before and
during the tactical play of the exercise. It includes the information to be released, guidelines on how to
release it, and a schedule for its distribution. The intelligence information released falls into two
categories:
●
What the unit receives automatically through command channels.
●
What the unit receives only when it takes the proper action to obtain it.
The most realistic method of starting intelligence play in large-unit exercises is for the next higher tactical
headquarters to disseminate intelligence to the participating unit early in the exercise. Disseminating area
analysis and intelligence summaries and reports provides the necessary background to initiate intelligence
play. The OPFOR plan and situation and the intelligence information distribution scheme are carefully
coordinated to ensure synchronization. They also introduce events designed to see how the friendly force
will react to air-land battles. The reactions of friendly units become key points of discussion for the AAR.
Control Plans
Control plans provide instructions for controlling and evaluating the exercise and organizing the control
group. To build a control group, the planning staff G3 prepares the control plan based on the exercise
scenario and appropriate references. Instructions for the control group must conform to the scenario and
the intelligence plan. The success of the exercise depends largely on how thorough these plans are and
how well they are executed.
Safety Instructions. The effort to attain maximum realism may cause hazardous conditions and situations
to arise. These hazards could have an adverse effect on the progress of the exercise, as well as on the
individual participants and the local civilian communities. To minimize accidents and injuries, planners
must prepare and issue specific safety instructions to all units well in advance of the exercise. The control
personnel in the exercise area are responsible for implementing these instructions. This in no way,
however, lessens the command responsibility within the player units for issuing, clarifying, and enforcing
safety rules. Safety instructions include-http://www.adtdl.army.mil/cgi-bin/atdl.dll/fm/25-4/Ch2.htm (21 of 33) [1/11/2002 2:28:55 PM]
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Objectives and responsibilities.
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Accident causes and preventive measures.
●
Accident reporting. Spot reports, as well as formal accident reporting and investigative procedures,
are prescribed.
Because current equipment is very mobile, command instructions must emphasize its safe operation
during training exercises and under administrative conditions during day, night, and reduced visibility.
Uniform Markings, Color Control, and Exercise Rules. This portion of the control plan prescribes-●
Uniform markings for OPFOR, controller, evaluator, umpire, and observer personnel.
●
Markings for vehicles, aircraft, and equipment.
●
Pyrotechnics, munitions, and lasers permitted in the exercise and instructions for their use.
●
Flag-signaling devices allowed and instructions for their use.
●
Funding authorization and source of supply.
●
Controller rules.
●
●
Guidance concerning the use of civilians (or military personnel disguised as civilians) in exercise
play, their identification, and treatment.
Guidance for civil-military relationships. The plan must be closely coordinated with the exercise
G5 and the public and unit information programs and activities. Additionally, it will include
procedures for identifying and treating civilians who reside in or near the exercise area but who do
not participate.
Umpires, personnel, vehicles, and installations participating in combined land exercises with other
nations must be marked in accordance with NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 2100, Edition
5.
Controller, Umpire, and Evaluator Assignments. Controllers, umpires, and evaluators are essential for
the effective and efficient operation of training exercises. Controllers ensure that events occur at the
appropriate times and places according to the exercise scenario and schedule of events. Controllers
represent all headquarters and units not physically present as players. Evaluators observe the activities of
players and player units to determine whether they perform tasks to predetermined standards. Evaluators
provide input to the AARs. Umpires determine the outcome of battle engagements and the effects of fires,
obstacles, and support activities. They report the results both to player units and the control organization.
The planning staff G1 coordinates with appropriate staff members to recommend sources of personnel and
selection criteria to the exercise director. Members of the control group should be taken from nonplaying
units because playing units should be at full strength. During any one exercise, controller, evaluator, and
umpire duties are normally assigned to separate individuals. However, the exercise director may have to
assign two or more of these functions to the same person due to shortages of qualified personnel.
Each controller, evaluator, and umpire is assigned to a specific section for the duration of the exercise.
The chief controller deter-mines these specific assignments based on the scope of the exercise and the
available personnel and required equipment. If possible, personnel assigned as evaluators should have
experience in the position being evaluated. Whenever feasible, commanders should evaluate commanders.
For a description of the duties of umpires, controllers, and evaluators, refer to specific exercises in
Chapter 3 and to Appendix E.
Controller, Umpire, and Evaluator Communication and Transportation. To control and coordinate
exercises, good communications are essential. A large-unit FTX may operate over extended distances and
require highly mobile controllers, umpires, and evaluators. In such a case, obstacles to continuous and
efficient communication are numerous. The G4, the special security officer (SSO), and the signal officer
assist the planning staff G3 to coordinate communication and transportation needs. Since the player units
require their organic communication equipment and vehicles during the exercise, the G3, G4, and signal
officer should acquire this equipment from other sources.
Schedule of Controller, Umpire, and Evaluator Training. Controllers, umpires, and evaluators must be
trained to execute their assignments. The amount of training depends on the backgrounds and experience
of these individuals as well as the scale of the exercise. The schedule provides for-●
A detailed orientation to the exercise, including the training objectives, the methods for attaining
the objectives, the scenario, and the supporting plans.
●
A detailed reconnaissance of the exercise area.
●
Schooling that emphasizes duties, use of control equipment, map reading, and tactics.
●
Rehearsals or MAPEXs to ensure complete understanding of the exercise.
●
Orientation on the conduct of the AAR.
Appendix E describes controller, evaluator, and umpire training.
Controller Reports. The chief controller prepares a guide for reports. It lists required reports, provides the
format for those reports, and designates special areas of interest for evaluation during each part of the
exercise.
Administrative and Logistics Plans
The administrative and logistics plan provides for actual combat service support of the exercises. The
planning staff G4 coordinates with the G1, G5, and appropriate special staff officers regarding CSS. The
G4 determines the availability of essential supplies and maintenance support and plans for medical
evacuation and traffic control.
The administrative and logistics plan must match the scenario and operation plan. It contains instructions
for the realistic play of CSS for both OPFOR and friendly units. It also provides for the concurrent
training of the CSS elements involved. Logistic support must conform to the logistic policies of the
exercise. The planning staff G4 coordinates closely with the G1 and G5 to prepare the plan, which covers
all phases of the exercise.
Appendixes to the administrative and logistics plan pertaining to CSS must-●
Establish a list of mandatory supply items to be brought to the exercise area by supporting troops.
●
Describe the procedures for obtaining and maintaining training supplies.
●
Establish available supply rates for all types of munitions.
●
Determine logistics requirements for special items such as decontamination materials, fog oil, and
NBC simulators.
Planners estimate the required types and quantities of these various supply items early in the planning
phase to ensure that the appendixes will contain all this information.
Movement Plan
The number of player units, OPFOR, and control personnel involved in a large-unit field exercise requires
the planning staff G4 to prepare a detailed movement plan. This plan coordinates transportation assets and
controls traffic. When the exercise is conducted off military controlled land, this plan must be coordinated
with appropriate civil authorities. Failure to do so may result in military and civilian traffic problems that
could interfere with the exercise time schedule.
Maneuver Damage Control Plan
The maneuver damage control plan is closely related to the claims plan described later in this chapter. The
maneuver damage control plan prescribes--
●
General policies.
●
Responsibilities of commanders and units.
●
Areas of responsibility.
●
Training and orientation of troops, claims personnel, and repair teams.
●
Restrictions, limitations, and precautions to be observed. These include rules governing vehicle
travel, use of airstrips and railroads, communications, command post sites, and wire and cable
laying.
●
The organization and duties of maneuver damage control teams.
●
Participation of umpire and control personnel.
●
Preexercise reports, spot damage reports, player and support unit location reports, and postexercise
repair reports.
If possible, aerial and other photographs of the exercise area should be made prior to and immediately
after the exercise. They will assist with cleanup and resolution of maneuver damage claims.
Civil-Military Operations Plan
The CMO plan, prepared by the planning staff G5, establishes the scope and objectives of CMO play in
the exercise. It may cover the employment of civil affairs units and staffs during the exercise, as well as
those portions of the PSYOP plan consolidating PSYOP activities in support of the civil affairs plan.
Emergency or Readiness Measures Plan
Since forces involved in an exercise may be required for actual operations, an emergency deployment
plan is prepared. Multiple and secure notification means are provided for this purpose. The planning staff
G3 prepares this plan.
A situation may require implementation of operation or alert plans and warrant the immediate termination
of the exercise. If so, the exercise director transmits in the clear a duly authenticated, preselected code
word. In turn, the code word is transmitted by each player and control echelon taking part in the exercise,
and the exercise is terminated. All communication circuits are cleared for emergency traffic. Circuits out
of action due to exercise play are restored immediately.
Planners make careful distinctions between exercise instructions and the actual instructions for an
operation or alert plan. Before leaving their garrisons, all units are told the locations and availability of
live ammunition in case play is terminated and execution of a contingency plan is ordered. Live
ammunition to be carried during the exercise is loaded according to local SOP. Coordinating and
arranging for convoy routes from the exercise location to deployment positions must occur during the
planning phase. If the exercise area is an unreasonable distance from the planned deployment position,
contingency plans must be developed prior to the exercise.
Orientation and After-Action Review Plan
The planning staff G3 prepares this plan. It contains detailed instructions for orientation before the
exercise and for the AAR.
The preexercise orientation is essential to ensure that all personnel start with the same information and
carry out their duties with interest and enthusiasm. The orientation develops an understanding of the
training objectives and how to attain them. Key personnel are designated to attend the orientation to
ensure that player units receive the necessary information. A briefing schedule is published and a
rehearsal conducted.
AARs occur as soon as practicable following major events, exercise phases, or ENDEX. Effective AARs
are as brief and concise as possible considering the amount of information to be covered. At a minimum,
AARs include commanders and staff. If possible, they include participating soldiers. Players discuss their
reasons for taking actions. Controllers, umpires, and evaluators make their observations. The OPFOR
should give its view of the exercise. In scheduling AARs, planners should consider the physical condition
of the soldiers and the locations of units. They also need to consider the time needed to collect, collate,
and evaluate reports from controllers, evaluators, umpires, and OPFORs. For larger scale exercises, the
G3 should schedule multiechelon AARs, as described in Appendix G.
Information Plan
The planning staff information officer coordinates with all staff sections to prepare a public information
plan that will develop public support of the Army's mission. The scope and objectives of the exercise
determine the extent of this plan. In the interest of sound public relations, the exercise director should
prepare the local population for any unusual or inconvenient situations that may arise.
All exercises have certain security, political, and public relations implications. Planners weigh these
implications carefully and formulate a basic concept for publicity for each exercise. They determine a
suitable press release date in advance. It takes into consideration the requirements for security, public
relations, and items of international and political interest. They weigh the release of detailed information
concerning the nature and location of the exercise and the participating forces in relation to security and
political implications. Invitations to the press are prepared by information officers and cleared by SSOs.
The invitations may request that the exercise be given no publicity until a predetermined date.
When publicity is not desired, planners establish policies for handling press inquiries. The information
plan also provides for-●
Initial releases announcing the exercise.
●
The extent of hometown press releases.
●
Radio, television, and other news media coverage.
●
The extent of press coverage and the invitations to be issued.
●
Support of news media representatives.
●
Briefings to be given and courtesies to be extended.
●
Unit orientation.
●
Exercise news publications or other news features.
Claims Plan
When a large-unit field exercise uses privately owned land, buildings, or equipment, the planning staff G4
must prepare a claims plan. This plan is prepared in coordination with the G1, staff judge advocate,
engineer officer, G5, and G3. The plan designates-●
A claims officer, who is appointed early to execute the leases for the property required. The same
officer is responsible for settling any claims arising from the exercise.
●
The amount of land, equipment, or building space required.
●
A rental procedure, to include the length of time that facilities or land will be required.
●
The limitations imposed on the use of all leased property.
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The means for issuing these instructions to all units.
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A means of processing claims.
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The procedure for obtaining claims releases.
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Off-limits areas.
Comptroller Plan
For funding purposes, large field exercises normally require the assignment of a comptroller to the
planning staff. Comptroller activities in support of the exercise include-●
Preparing the comptroller plan.
●
Monitoring the exercise expenditures.
●
Advising the planning staff on financial matters.
Records and Reports Plan
The planning staff G3 formulates a plan for required records and reports based on the exercise director's
guidance. At a minimum, it requires an AAR upon completion of the exercise. The plan designates the
commanders who must conduct AARs and prescribes the format, number of copies, and suspense date for
after-action reports. All reports are tabulated to show the-●
Proper title.
●
Basic references.
●
Submitting unit.
●
Time interval covered.
●
Suspense date.
●
Format.
●
Number of copies required.
●
Method of transmission.
PREPARING THE SCENARIO
Once the exercise director has approved the outline plan, the planning staff G3 and G2, with other staff
participation, complete the scenario. Scenarios are stories for training exercises. They list the events that
lead up to the points requiring player units to execute their operation orders (OPORDs) and thus begin the
exercises. These lists include the facts necessary to place player units in the desired tactical settings prior
to STARTEX. Scenarios guide umpire, controller, and evaluator personnel so that the exercise will
progress according to predetermined plans. Although scenarios are normally in narrative form, overlay
scenarios may be used for small exercises with limited objectives. Scenarios portray a series of tactical
situations. They are supported by OPLANs to include the annexes and overlays necessary to meet the
command objectives.
Each free-play scenario presents an initial situation and provides sufficient detail and guidance so the
player can prepare an OPLAN, annexes, and overlays. After STARTEX, higher headquarters and the
player commander control the activities, based on METT and a realistic enemy. Using this type of
scenario, a player is free, within doctrine and the higher unit OPORD, to initiate activity. Each controlledplay scenario presents detailed situations and events created to accomplish a specific exercise objective. It
is normally keyed to a rigid schedule of events with a predetermined message release list.
The two scenarios differ in purpose. Free-play scenarios allow commanders maximum latitude in
executing missions. Conversely, controlled-play scenarios cause commanders to take specific actions in
response to pre-determined events.
Controlled-play scenarios are best used when exercise objectives are to train on specific battle staff,
survivability, or combined arms and services tasks under specific conditions. Examples include operations
in a chemical environment, deliberate river-crossing operations, and military operations on urbanized
terrain (MOUT). Controlled-play scenarios are best supported by schedules of events that ensure the
timely insertion of incidents.
Free-play scenarios are best used when the exercise objective is to integrate systems, survivability, and
battle staff training in the most realistic, full-threat environment possible. Free-play scenarios can use
battle simulations such as Pegasus, First Battle, or CAMMS.
Scenarios contain the following elements:
●
●
●
A general situation that provides the participants with the background information normally
available in a combat situation.
An initial situation that starts the action by the player unit and causes the commander to issue
orders committing units.
A subsequent situation that continues the exercise and causes controllers, umpires, and evaluators
to maintain control. It includes all major events necessary to accomplish the exercise objectives
within the allotted time.
Considerable guidance is required from player unit commanders regarding the pace of the exercise. The
scenario developers must plan thoroughly to balance the number and types of requirements placed on the
players and the time allocated to complete them. The planners must not attempt to do too much in too
little time. It is better to conduct a few events to standard and have time for con-ducting good AARs and
for repeating any events as necessary, rather than to attempt more events than can be executed using the
appropriate troop-leading procedures.
General Situation
At a minimum, the general situation includes-●
●
●
●
A general statement describing the events that precipitated the current situation causing the
commitment of US forces.
The strategic and tactical situation, to include friendly forces two echelons higher.
A description of the OPFOR situation, to include the disposition of their forces two echelons
higher.
An analysis of the area of operations.
In developing the general situation, planners should establish the troop list of the next higher echelon and
the time frame for the execution phase of the exercise. Adjustments can be made as the training and
support situations change; however, major revisions should be avoided.
Initial Situation
The initial situation places the player unit in a tactical situation before STARTEX. If a preexercise phase
is used to prepare an OPLAN, the prepared OPLAN is converted to an OPORD at, or prior to, STARTEX
by a fragmentary order (FRAGO). However, if a preexercise phase is not used, an OPLAN is developed
during the initial phase. It provides the basis for subsequent operations. The requirements for the initial
situation will depend on when the player OPLAN is developed. In any case, the controllers should review
the OPLAN for format and content, since the preparation, dissemination, and supervision of plans, orders,
and estimates are normally prime objectives of any exercise. The annotated OPORD shown as an annex in
FM 101-5 should be used as a model format.
The OPORD causes the player to execute the mission assigned by higher head-quarters. The OPORD
clearly expresses the way the player unit commander visualizes the flow of the battle. If the player's
OPORD does not comply with higher headquarters' directives or if execution of the order would create a
serious safety hazard, the order should be returned for correction.
The initial situation should cause the G2/S2 to begin IPB. Through careful analysis of the terrain, avenues
of approach, and adversary doctrinal templating, the player unit can determine the most dangerous avenue
of approach and the most likely enemy configuration. At STARTEX, the player unit should have
sufficient enemy intelligence information as would realistically be available in wartime. This information
should be provided through player channels to the lowest level to ensure a consistent portrayal of the
enemy situation. Failure to disseminate intelligence to subordinate units should be addressed in the AAR.
Subsequent Situations
Exercise planners develop the subsequent situations by creating a list of events that-●
Ensures a logical flow for the exercise.
●
Obtains a realistic time estimate for the entire exercise.
●
Ensures all training objectives are achieved.
Events are concise written statements of tactical activities. Planners list them in chronological order and
estimate when they will occur. They may cross reference events and their scheduled times by arranging
both in column format. Such a list will help the exercise flow to a logical conclusion. Once they prepare
the list of events, planners develop corresponding incidents with execution times, if appropriate, that
provide controllers, umpires, evaluators, and OPFORs with a way of realistically presenting each event to
the player. The list should indicate-●
Where each event or incident takes place.
●
Who is involved in each.
●
How each is initiated.
The events, incidents, and additional information become a schedule of events and an enclosure to the
scenario. The enclosure is an abbreviated publication arranged chrono-logically in column format. It
provides a ready index to the time, place, soldiers or units involved, and the activity planned for a given
situation. It also estimates the time required to conduct the exercise, including the time for troop
orientation before STARTEX and for an AAR after each exercise phase or at ENDEX. Planners should
adjust this time estimate after the exercise is rehearsed. For free-play scenarios, the schedule of events
will be much less detailed than for a controlled-play scenario. Items on the schedule of events cause
specific actions or reactions by the players within or among various systems. The schedule of events
should provide sufficient information to allow follow-up and observations by controller and umpire
personnel. These events, actions, and reactions become topics of discussion in the AAR.
PREPARING AN OPERATION PLAN
The exercise scenario is the basis for the OPLAN. The OPLAN is the responsibility of the planning staff
G3. However, all members of he planning staff must share in developing the OPLAN to produce the
various supporting annexes and overlays that it requires.
The complexity of the OPLAN may vary with the scope of the exercise. For example, the OPLAN for a
battalion-level exercise may be issued as a verbal order. Warning orders and FRAGOs to initiate,
continue, change, or halt operations are often prepared in advance in support of exercises conducted for
the purpose of evaluating or testing multiple units under like conditions.
PUBLISHING THE LETTER OF INSTRUCTION
The LOI provides exercise information to all participants. It may include references to information such
as the maneuver damage plan or the safety SOP, already published in other sources.
The LOI is prepared in a format that is easy to use and provides all the necessary information. If the
exercise is very large or complex, annexes to the LOI may address specific subjects.
The first draft of the LOI is published far enough in advance of STARTEX to allow all concerned
agencies, major subordinate commands, and special staff members to respond and submit comments. The
final version of the LOI is published only when these comments have been considered and incorporated.
At division level, planning should start at least 60 days prior to STARTEX. For exercises above division,
a minimum of 30 additional days should be allowed for each echelon.
Those who plan and participate in exercises must be kept well informed throughout the planning process.
The LOI should not be used as the sole method of providing information. Briefings, updates, fact sheets,
or in-process reviews (IPRs) may also be used, as appropriate or whenever important changes occur that
will influence the exercise development.
PREPARING A CONTINGENCY PLAN
The planning staff G3 is responsible for preparing the contingency plan. It stipulates what actions are to
be taken in the event of adverse weather, actual war, or other factors limiting exercise. If the plan calls for
an alternate exercise, then the planning process for it must be given the same consideration as the original
exercise, including the appropriate support plan.
PREPARING THE TERRAIN
Preparation of the terrain may be necessary to provide a realistic environment, to protect the terrain from
excessive maneuver damage, and to ensure troop safety while employing high-mobility systems. For
example, in a live-fire exercise, electronically or mechanically controlled targets may be in-stalled in
foxholes or bunkers to represent the OPFOR. Dug-in, remotely controlled machine gun simulators may
represent OPFOR fire from the objective. Barbed wire obstacles on the objective, demolition pits along
the routes of approach, enemy fighting positions, and simulated gun emplacements can all add realism.
Safety devices to facilitate control and safe operation should be installed when-ever demolitions or livefire exercises are incorporated in the training exercise.
CONDUCTING A REHEARSAL
As a final check on planning, the exercise is rehearsed. This rehearsal does not include players. It occurs
far enough in advance of the exercise for planners to correct errors and adjust the schedule. Controllers,
umpires, evaluators, and OPFORs should rehearse so that they are all thoroughly familiar with their
duties. For large exercises, it is critical to rehearse communications. The agency or individual who
originally directed the exercise should be represented at the rehearsal in order to make necessary changes
and to approve the exercise.
FM 25-4 Chptr 3 Conduct of Training Exercises
RDL
CHAPTER 3
Conduct of Training Exercises
INITIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The training exercises described in this chapter provide the preferred methods to teach, sustain, and
reinforce individual and collective skills. They provide training methods to develop, sustain, and evaluate
command and control skills. They are essential team-building tools, inasmuch as they teach the
employment of the internal and external systems necessary to coordinate and integrate combined arms
and services teamwork in order to fight and win air-land battles.
Training exercises are a vital part of the spectrum of training. Commanders use them to train individual,
leader, and collective skills in battle staff, survivability, and combined arms and services training.
Commanders select a particular training exercise or combination of exercises based on specific training
objectives and on available resources. They select the specific training exercise that will best attain their
objectives and expend the fewest resources.
COMMAND AND CONTROL PROFICIENCY
In order to conduct successful maneuvers or FTXs at battalion level and above, commanders and their
staffs must already be proficient in fundamental command and control skills. The exercises described in
this chapter train staffs to issue orders in a timely sequence so that the available combat power can be
committed at the right place and time. Exercises allow commanders to train their staffs-●
To prepare orders to maneuver or move units.
●
To plan and coordinate fire support.
●
To integrate all supporting systems.
CONTENTS
INITIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Command and Control Proficiency
Active Involvement
Autonomy
MAP EXERCISES
Description
Phases
TACTICAL EXERCISES WITHOUT TROOPS
Description
Phases
COMMAND POST EXERCISES
Description
Phases
FIELD TRAINING EXERCISES
Description
Phases
COMMAND FIELD EXERCISES
Description
Phases
LIVE-FIRE EXERCISES
Description
Phases
FIRE COORDINATION EXERCISE
DEPLOYMENT EXERCISES
JOINT TRAINING EXERCISES
COMBINED TRAINING EXERCISES
Engineer barrier plans, for example, must be coordinated with final protecting fires. Battalion battle
positions and natural obstacles must be tied to engineer tank obstacles. Where appropriate, exercises
should use automated data information and automated data processing (ADP) systems to teach operators
to support staff requirements. Moreover, scenarios should be intense enough to stretch ADP systems in
providing timely information.
ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT
Commanders must caution their staffs to recognize that reality is the basis for decision making.
Operations centers, current situation maps, and ADP printouts are not reality. They are no more accurate
than the fragmentary information fed into the tactical operations center (TOC). Decision making must
ultimately rely upon the commander's judgment based upon his personal observation of the battlefield.
The purpose of the staff training through simulations, TEWTs, and ultimately major exercises is to teach
unit teamwork and the proper preparation of estimates and orders in support of the commander.
The well-trained staff assists the commander in recognizing the critical actions unfolding on the
battlefield. The commander positions himself behind the main effort to encourage his soldiers, to see the
battle develop, and to be in position to make the critical decisions that will determine the outcome of the
battle. The staff members take the commander's decisions and use their communications and their
teamwork to make maximum combat power available to implement his decisions. Exercises teach the unit
to achieve this vital teamwork that enables the commander to translate his decisions into actions that
produce a decisive advantage at the critical period of the battle.
AUTONOMY
The commander teaches his staff to operate without him. Inasmuch as he can seldom be at the TOC
except to receive a periodic update during periods of reduced activity, the commander uses a series of
exercises to train the staff. He ensures they are capable of continuous operations by insisting upon
designation and observance of working shifts. The next war is unlikely to be a short war. Consequently,
the commander must teach the staff to make operations routine, allowing personnel to be rested and alert
for their tour of duty. To avoid a break in duty personnel thoroughly abreast of the tactical situation,
officer and NCO shifts should not coincide.
The commander should receive an update briefing from the staff upon his return to the TOC. This
practice requires the staff to maintain an estimate of the situation, which is continually updated during the
course of their duties. TOC operators brief their replacements when relieved at the end of their tour of
duty. The update briefing for the commander normally takes one of two forms: a formal briefing attended
by the senior shift personnel or individual updates for the commander at each staff section.
The commander uses the update to ensure his estimate of the situation is current, to evaluate the staff
estimate, and to train the staff. Normally the commander, who has observed the major actions of the unit
and visited his subordinate commanders, will have more current information than does his staff. The staff
update will often show that subordinate units have failed to report essential information that SOP requires
them to report. This experience teaches the staff to insist upon prompt and continuous reporting. During
the update briefing, the commander coaches the staff on the proper formulation of estimates, a disciplined
thought process developed over time.
Through the conduct of austere exercises, the commander trains his commanders and the staff so that they
are prepared to perform their duties during maneuvers or the conduct of combat operations. During a
MAPEX or CPX, the commander can observe individual staff sections and critique specific actions, such
as-●
Posting situation maps.
●
Using radio telephone procedures.
●
Preparing estimates and orders.
●
Exchanging information within the staff.
●
Arranging the TOC to facilitate coordination.
The commander must emphasize coordination and information flow since they are essential to an
efficient operation. He must insist that information be disseminated down the chain, as well as to higher
and adjacent units. Each echelon can become a filter of essential information unless the staff continually
works at information sharing. Recognition that the staff serves the lower units, as well as the commander,
is a profound concept--a mark of professional staff organization.
Mastery of troop-leading procedures allows subordinates adequate time to issue warning orders, to
conduct reconnaissance, and to prepare and issue timely orders. Such mastery is a key training objective
of the commander. This objective can be achieved only through practice. The time for mistakes and
omissions is during training exercises that do not involve troops. The AAR should highlight this
important dimension of command and control, upon which successful operations are predicated. Once the
commander's concept of operations is provided to his commanders and detailed orders are published, a
shared understanding of operations is established. It can become the basis for verbal FRAGOs to adjust to
the changing tactical situation. The compression of time in the troop-leading steps for the use of a
FRAGO is made possible by the previous employment of full troop-leading steps. These ensure a
common understanding of the enemy, mission and friendly situation, current control measures, and
detailed reconnaissance (map or ground) of the operational area. The teamwork of a trained staff
facilitates this process. Staff proficiency and teamwork are developed over time through the exercises
discussed in this chapter.
MAP EXERCISES
DESCRIPTION
MAPEXs are low-cost, low-overhead training exercises that portray military situations on maps and
overlays that may be supplemented with, or replaced by, terrain models and sand tables. MAPEXs allow
commanders to train their staffs to perform essential integrating and control functions to sup-port their
decisions under simulated wartime conditions. MAPEXs may be employed by commanders to train the
staffs at any echelon-●
To function as effective teams.
●
To exchange information.
●
To prepare estimates.
●
To give appraisals.
●
To make recommendations and decisions.
●
To prepare plans.
●
To issue orders.
●
To be proficient in integration of all branch elements of the teams.
MAPEXs are suitable for command and control training from battalion through corps levels. They are
especially useful for multi-echelon staff training when commanders want to involve the minimum number
of soldiers while fully exercising staff procedures and techniques at multiple echelons. MAPEXs are
relatively inexpensive. Their scenarios derive from event schedules or from battle simulations, depending
upon the resources available.
MAPEXs can provide survivability training through the practice of continuous operations, operations in a
mission-oriented protection posture (MOPP) 4 environment passing control to alternate operations centers
and jump CPs, as well as practice in operation in a dispersed posture.
Characteristics
MAPEXs should attempt to portray the battlefield as realistically as possible. They should include NBC
play, both defensive and offensive, to demonstrate and prepare participants for the physical and
psychological effects of continuous NBC operations. They portray exercise administrative and logistical
situations realistically to integrate all aspects of the battle. They portray EW realistically to allow
participants to achieve proficiency in working through jamming and in exercising appropriate
countermeasures.
Controllers must consider how the information they input affects player staff sections under actual battle
conditions. These inputs should make players aware of the tactical and logistical situations, both friendly
and enemy, as well as of the impact of the civilian situation upon tactical operations. The control group
must render prompt and logical rulings for all tactical and logistical situations that arise. When player and
enemy forces make contact, controllers allow the situation to develop until a tactical ruling is indicated or
required. The control group assesses casualties and damage and announces engagement results. The
company players use this information to paint the battlefield picture to battalion headquarters. Since
MAPEXs are training vehicles, players, and controllers must not reveal information unavailable in a real
situation.
MAPEXs require the controllers to avoid influencing exercise play artificially since doing so creates
other artificial situations later. Controllers should not interfere with player personnel even though they
may be allowed free access to player facilities so they can perform their assigned duties. Controllers
should provide their insights and suggestions during periodic AARs to assist players in maximizing
lessons learned through the exercise.
Personnel
The player personnel for MAPEXs should include representatives from all elements of the combat team
or task force. MAPEXs require control teams to regulate the exercise and cause play to flow to a logical
conclusion. The chief controller supervises the entire controller facility and acts as the director of
controller personnel. The assistant chief controller acts as the chief battle map (terrain model) controller.
He is responsible for the battle portrayal on the map, to include battle damage assessment. The assistant
battle map controllers ensure that players report to higher headquarters only what they could observe in
an actual tactical situation. They ensure that maneuver, fire support, CS, and CSS functions are
realistically portrayed by both friendly personnel and threat controllers. They also arbitrate all points of
disagreement concerning battle map play.
The threat controllers ensure that enemy actions are portrayed according to threat doctrine and the
exercise order of battle. They begin the exercise by displaying the initial threat situation prepared by the
exercise planning group. They continue exercise play by interacting with the player commanders and by
continually presenting realistic situations using threat tactics. The damage assessment controllers assess
personnel and equipment loss and determine when damaged equipment and wounded personnel can be
returned to action. Controllers must not usurp player functions. For example, medical personnel of the
player unit should be required to determine when or if wounded personnel can return to the battle.
The number of control personnel required depends upon the size of the player organization and the scope
of the exercise scenario. If a simulation drives the MAPEX, the instructions contained in the simulation
package will provide guidance for developing controller manning tables.
Both controller and player personnel must understand the specific job positions and command echelons
represented by members of the control group. The control group represents all persons and units except
those specifically represented by the player units.
Equipment and Facilities
MAPEXs require only minimal equipment. It may consist of the following:
●
Exercise maps sufficient in number to meet the demands of the exercise objectives. Terrain
models or sand tables that are exact replicas of the maps may be used in conjunction with the maps
or alone. If they are used, they should be large enough to allow all player and controller personnel
to observe and to perform as assigned.
●
●
General purpose items such as office supplies, overlay production material, message and journal
logs, report forms, unit SOPs, and appropriate reference materials.
Simple point-to-point wire communications to permit simulation of communication links to be
practiced during the exercise. If radio or wire links are employed in an operational environment,
players should not be permitted to make face-to-face communication with other players.
Requiring little communications equipment and a minimum number of support personnel, MAPEXs may
be conducted in permanent or temporary locations. Planners must provide buildings or tents large enough
to house both player and control functions. The work area should be relatively uncrowded. Planners must
make provisions for security, visitor reception and briefing, food service, and vehicle parking, as
appropriate. If the MAPEX is conducted away from the unit's cantonment area, planners must arrange
transportation and medical support. If the MAPEX is to last longer than one day, they must arrange for
billeting.
PHASES
Preexercise
Prior to selecting the MAPEX training mode, commanders must ensure that staff members and leaders
are familiar with the individual skills of their duty positions and the collective skills of their staff section
or command group. Full proficiency is not required for participation, inasmuch as the purpose of the
MAPEX is to build proficiency.
Planners must consider the planning steps discussed in Chapter 2. Commanders and staffs at battalion
level plan and conduct MAPEXs for their own units. At higher echelons, planning staffs and controller
teams plan, prepare, conduct, and review the exercise. Once the objectives, scope, troop list, exercise
area, and outline are approved, the player unit commander and selected unit personnel should be briefed
on the exercise. The commander of the player unit uses the MAPEX LOI as the basis for providing
exercise information to subordinates. The planning staff also uses the LOI to brief controllers, umpires,
and evaluators.
Normally 24 to 48 hours before STARTEX, the controllers train the players in the conduct of the
MAPEX. Players who receive battlefield information directly from controllers must have additional
training on how to translate it into usable and recognizable formats. These formats include spot reports,
situation reports, NBC reports, shell reports, and others.
Controller and player training prior to a MAPEX involves the following:
●
Purpose and scope.
●
Training objectives.
●
Participating units.
●
Enemy situation.
●
Control organization.
●
Communications plan.
●
Casualty and damage assessment.
●
Time delays in message transmission.
●
Controller records and reports.
●
Intelligence play.
●
War-game procedures.
●
Information flow.
●
In-progress and after-action reviews.
●
Controller duties.
Execution
The LOI for the MAPEX will include instructions for moving to the exercise site, if appropriate. Time
must be set aside and personnel assigned prior to STARTEX to install any necessary point-to-point wire
communications, to set up the player and controller TOC, and to prepare maps, sand tables, or terrain
models.
Prior to STARTEX, the chief controller gives the player commander a commander's update briefing. This
briefing includes any changes to the LOI not already announced or any items requiring reiteration. The
chief controller may assume the role of the player unit's higher commander, unless the commander elects
to play this role himself in the training of his subordinates. At this point, the chief controller is briefed by
controllers representing staff members. This briefing sets the stage for the remainder of the exercise and
imparts realism. The chief controller, acting as the higher commander, converts the exercise OPLAN to
an OPORD and announces that staff members are available for coordination with their player
counterparts. This normally constitutes STARTEX.
The brigade-level MAPEX functions as follows:
●
●
●
The players are presented with a general and a special situation.
The players react to the situation and provide information and reports to higher, lower, and
adjacent units, as appropriate.
The control group, in its role as higher headquarters, evaluates the player orders for mission
accomplishment, fights its portion of the air-land battles, and responds to player requests for
support, as appropriate. At the same time, company commanders gather around the battle map and
fight the battle according to battalion orders.
●
●
●
The results of battle board actions are relayed to the player battalion headquarters in the form of
reports and requests. These portray the battle and create new situations requiring additional player
actions or reactions. Battalion TOCs, in turn, feed information, reports, and requests to the
brigade.
The players react to the new situations as they normally would in combat. This forces the brigade
and battalions to alter battle plans, issue FRAGOs, and place demands on CS and CSS units.
This process continues until the MAPEX ends.
Postexercise
At ENDEX, the chief controller holds an immediate AAR so that all players and controllers gain the
maximum training benefit from the exercise. At a minimum, the AAR should-●
●
Provide an opportunity for the players and controllers to exchange information, ideas, and lessons
learned.
Allow the threat controllers to explain their battle plans, battle outcomes, and strength at ENDEX.
An assessment of future threat capabilities should also be presented.
Appendix G contains a complete discussion of the AAR and after-action reports.
TACTICAL EXERCISES WITHOUT TROOPS
DESCRIPTION
TEWTs are low-cost, low-overhead exercises conducted in the field on actual terrain suitable for training
units for specific missions. Using few support troops, TEWTs are used by commanders to train
subordinate leaders and battle staffs at any echelon-●
To analyze terrain.
●
To employ units according to terrain analysis.
●
To emplace weapon systems to best support the unit's mission.
●
To plan conduct of the unit mission.
●
To coach subordinates on the best use of terrain and proper employment of all combat arms (CA),
CS, and CSS assets.
Unit personnel participate in a TEWT as members of small groups. The commander or his S3 orients
them on the terrain, pointing out prominent features and their importance to the exercise. The commander
then-presents the special situation--an extension of the general situation that was issued in advance of the
TEWT--followed by the initial requirement. Group members then solve each requirement individually
and prepare to present their solutions. Next, the group discusses individual solutions and develops a group
solution. The commander critiques the group and presents his solution. Discussion of individual solutions
generates interest and understanding of tactics and optimum use of the terrain. By allowing group leaders
to explain unit dispositions for a given operation, TEWTs create a favorable environment for a
professionally challenging and informative class on subjects that impact directly upon the unit mission.
Characteristics
For a successful TEWT, the commander must select the proper terrain and reconnoiter it. This process is
vital since the TEWT teaches tactics by using actual terrain. The general area is selected from a map
reconnaissance and then followed up with an on-the-ground reconnaissance. Sites preselected should be
appropriate for the training objectives and flexible enough to portray more than one practical solution.
The various locations selected for specific events during the reconnaissance become training sites for
specific situations. The time schedule identifies these locations by six-digit grid coordinates.
Personnel
The personnel participating in a TEWT are subordinate commanders, leaders, and staffs selected by the
unit commander. Commanders or S3s from direct support organizations may supply advice on situations
concerning their own specialties. Based on their participation, the TEWT can provide combat team
training. The participants from supporting organizations should be consulted during the preparation of the
exercise and be available during its execution.
The procedures involved in the TEWT can also be applied to achieve battle staff and combined arms
training in-●
MOUT.
●
Deployment planning.
●
Mobilization planning.
●
Amphibious operations.
●
Combat and field trains establishment and operations.
●
Intelligence-gathering techniques.
Equipment required for a TEWT depends on the amount of time to be spent on the exercise and the
objectives of the exercise. TEWTs are always conducted in the field on terrain suitable for training the
units to perform in specific missions.
PHASES
Preexercise
Prior to selecting the TEWT training mode, commanders determine whether subordinate leaders and staff
members are proficient in the individual and leader skills their duty positions require. Although a TEWT
may be the best way to teach tactical principles on the ground, it does not emphasize time and distance
factors and their significance for effective troop-leading procedures. Before conducting other exercises
with soldiers, commanders should recognize these limitations and provide appropriate emphasis to ensure
that participants recognize how important time, distance, and light conditions are to actual operations.
Planners must consider the planning steps discussed in Chapter 2.
The exercise directive for a TEWT can be as simple as a warning order from the commander that states-●
Why the TEWT is being conducted.
●
Who will participate.
●
What equipment is required.
●
When and where the TEWT will be conducted.
●
What the special instructions are.
Plans for a TEWT are normally formatted by the unit staff and should include the tasking of assistant
trainers, if required.
Research for a TEWT consists of-●
●
Reviewing missions, weapons capabilities, and tactics.
Reviewing appropriate laws, regulations, and SOPs pertinent to the use of a particular piece of
land.
During the preliminary reconnaissance of the terrain, the planners-●
Walk the terrain, making a careful inspection of the entire area to ensure that the military aspects
of the terrain are fully appreciated. The commander normally makes this reconnaissance and
selects teaching points that support his mission, as well as his training objectives.
●
Take notes at each training site concerning the problem to be presented and its solution.
●
Select the initial rendezvous point for all personnel.
●
Choose vehicle parking areas, if required.
●
●
Confirm routes and movement times from vehicle parking areas to each training site and between
training sites.
Select an area for meals, if necessary.
If the TEWT is to be conducted off a military reservation, planners must contact landowners to get
permission to use the land.
After the first reconnaissance, planners prepare a draft of the exercise with situation narratives for each
requirement and solution. They may have to visit each training site several times to finalize details of the
situation and to check the proposed solutions. Doing so is particularly important if the solutions will
become the bases for subsequent situations and requirements.
Once the commander approves the tactical problems and solutions, a scenario is developed. The scenario
includes a general situation, initial situation and requirement, subsequent situations and requirements, and
a time schedule. The general situation describes the friendly and enemy units involved, their locations on
the ground, and the significant activities for the previous 24 hours. Subsequent situations and
requirements are derived from the training objectives.
The time schedule should indicate the estimated time needed for presenting each situation and
requirement at each training site. The schedule helps ensure that no one spends too much time on any one
requirement or at any one location. Figure 3-5 shows a time schedule for a single training objective
covered at two different locations.
Once the time schedule is developed, the scenario is checked to ensure that it fits the terrain selected.
During this check all likely responses to situations and requirements should be war-gamed.
Narratives covering the subsequent situations should create a realistic battlefield picture. They should be
as short as possible, be compatible with the exercise, and contain only the information players need to
weigh relevant factors and produce an acceptable solution. Narratives should cover the composition of
forces and the air situation. Participants are expected to know the TOE and weapon capabilities;
consequently, the problem is normally in the form of orders and appropriate graphics. Short verbal orders
to introduce new situations will not only save time, but also give subordinate commanders and staffs
practice in working from verbal orders.
The LOI includes-●
Administrative instructions (mess, transportation, medical).
●
Maneuver damage procedures.
●
Actual time and duration of the TEWT.
●
●
Personnel to be trained.
●
Preexercise training requirements.
The OPORD for the TEWT should be issued at least 24 hours prior to STARTEX. It is written in the fiveparagraph field order format with annexes, as appropriate. It contains information developed from the
general and initial situations and the first requirement.
Execution
For a battalion-level TEWT, the battalion commander begins at the first training site by explaining the
purpose of the exercise and the tasks to be covered. The commander then presents the general situation,
the initial situation, and the first requirement.
After giving the first requirement, the commander-●
Allows time for players to develop solutions.
●
Selects one leader to present a solution.
●
Selects other leaders to present their solutions.
●
Guides a discussion of the various solutions.
●
Presents a solution and the reasons for it.
●
Guides a discussion of all solutions for the requirement and explains the preferred solution.
●
Gives instructions and time limits for proceeding to the next training site.
This procedure occurs at all subsequent training sites until the TEWT is completed.
Postexercise
Inasmuch as the TEWT is a formal part of the officer development program of the unit, the lessons
learned should provide a foundation for subsequent instruction. Materials compiled during preparation
and conduct of the TEWT may be retained for reference on future TEWTs. Some service schools offer
additional information and examples of TEWTs through their catalogs of instructional materials. Planners
should consult these catalogs to determine the suitability and availability of appropriate supporting
materials.
COMMAND POST EXERCISES
DESCRIPTION
CPXs are medium-cost, medium-overhead training exercises that may be conducted at garrison locations
or in the field. In garrison, CPXs are expanded MAPEXs using tactical communications systems and
personnel in a command post environment. Normal battle-field distances between the CPs are usually
reduced, and CPs do not need to exercise all tactical communications.
The most effective CPXs are conducted in the field. In field operations, time and distance should
realistically reflect AirLand Battle doctrine. Operations should be continuous and use all organic and
supporting communications equipment. Commanders practice combined arms integration and tactical
emplacement and displacement of CPs. Each headquarters should practice survivability operations such
as dispersion, camouflage, and security.
Commanders use CPXs to train subordinate leaders and staffs at all echelons-●
To function as effective teams and build cohesion.
●
To exchange information.
●
To prepare estimates.
●
To give appraisals.
●
To prepare plans.
●
To issue orders.
●
To reconnoiter, select, and tactically occupy CP locations.
●
To establish and employ communications.
●
To displace headquarters and command posts.
CPXs also provide commanders with valuable training experiences in planning and executing CS and
CSS activities. Troops other than headquarters and communications personnel are normally represented
by controllers. CPXs may be driven either by master schedules of events or battle simulations.
Characteristics
Successful CPXs are conducted under battlefield conditions. To validate staff and unit procedures,
tactical exercises integrate nuclear and chemical weapons employment; NBC warning and reporting;
reconnaissance; and MOPP, logistical, decontamination, and smoke operations. Administrative and
logistical situations are portrayed and played realistically so that player commanders and staffs realize
their effects on all aspects of the battle. EW should be portrayed to show how important it is to all
elements and how it hinders commanders and staff officers who are not prepared for it.
Controllers should avoid influencing exercise play artificially since doing so creates other artificial
situations later. When inputting information, controllers consider which player staff section would be
most affected under actual battle conditions. Inputs should make the player personnel aware of the
tactical and logistical situations and cause player action. Field CPXs should force the player units at all
echelons to emplace and displace their TOC. TOC displacement teaches the units to use tactical and main
CPs, to perform continuous operations and reconnaissance, and to set up organic and supporting
communications systems. It also provides realistic time and distance experience.
The control group renders prompt and logical rulings for all tactical and logistical situations that arise
during exercise play. When player and threat forces make contact, controllers allow the situation to
develop until a tactical ruling is indicated or required. Rulings are based on results obtained from wargaming, based on player-directed actions. The control group assesses casualties and damage and
announces engagement rulings. The company players use this information to paint the battlefield picture
to the battalion headquarters. Controllers are allowed free access to player facilities to perform their
assigned duties, but they do not interfere with player personnel.
Personnel
In addition to the commander, staff, and subordinate commanders and staffs of the player units, CPXs
require controllers and evaluators. The controllers, directed by the chief controller, manage the exercise
and cause play to flow to a logical conclusion. The evaluators observe player activities to deter-mine if
tasks are performed to preestablished standards at each echelon. The number of evaluators and their
qualifications depend on the scope of the exercise and the tasks or procedures to be evaluated. If an
external evaluation has been directed, the chief evaluator will form evaluator teams.
It is essential that both controller and player personnel understand the specific job positions and command
echelons represented by the control group. The control group represents all persons and units except the
job positions and functions specifically represented by the player units.
The exercise control center (ECC) functions as the player unit higher headquarters. One of the functions
of the ECC is to monitor the player actions, situations, and plans. ECC personnel also-●
Maintain controllers' battle maps.
●
Portray the threat force.
●
Insert incidents and messages.
●
Assess equipment and personnel losses.
The chief controller is in charge of the ECC and all subordinate controllers, umpires, and evaluators.
Additionally, the chief controller acts as the higher commander. Staff controllers act as the higher HQ
staff. In support of the chief controller, they fight the air-land battles. They prepare orders, request
information, and receive and act on reports and requests from the players. The assistant chief controller
acts as the chief controller when necessary and performs as the higher HQ chief of staff for the player
units.
The service support controller supervises the activities of the service support staff controllers. They
prepare orders, request information, and act on requests and messages from players.
OPFOR controllers are responsible for enemy actions according to threat doctrine and order of battle.
They show the initial threat situation prepared by the exercise planning group. They also interact with the
player company commanders and continually present them with realistic situations using threat tactics.
Damage assessment controllers assess personnel and equipment losses and deter-mine when damaged
equipment and wounded personnel can be returned to the player for use in the CPX. They do not
circumvent actions taken by the players. For example, medical personnel in the exercise determine when
wounded personnel can be returned to action.
Player personnel include the company commanders, XOs, and FIST chiefs from the battalions. They
execute the battalion OPORD and fight the battle according to orders received. Since the exercise is a
training vehicle for the battalion, they do not reveal information unavailable in a real situation.
The equipment required for a CPX consists of-●
●
●
Communications equipment to replicate the higher headquarters of the player unit.
General purpose items such as office supplies, overlay production material, message and journal
logs, report forms, unit SOPs, and appropriate reference material.
Equipment required to replicate the TOC of the player units' higher headquarters if the CPX is to
be conducted in a field environment.
●
Appropriate military references (field manuals, training circulars).
●
Equipment necessary to identify participants and provide security for the TOC (ID badges, signs).
CPXs conducted in garrison require separate buildings or tents large enough to house the control team
and player units. The available space should be adequate for the unit's TOC. Provisions should be made
for security, visitor reception and briefing, feeding, and vehicle parking. If the exercises are conducted
away from the unit's immediate cantonment area, transportation and medical support must also be
arranged. Exercises lasting longer than one day require billeting arrangements.
For CPXs conducted in the field, maneuver areas must be large enough for player headquarters to
disperse realistically. The control headquarters will ensure good radio and/or wire communications with
player units and subordinate control elements. The control headquarters should be located to obtain the
best possible communications and to facilitate travel to and from player headquarters. Facilities to support
the control headquarters must also be planned. They provide-●
Security.
●
Visitor reception and briefing.
●
Food service.
●
Medical aid.
●
Maintenance.
●
Hygiene.
The amount of outside support required for the control organization depends on the scope and duration of
the exercise. Assistance from outside agencies may be required in the following areas:
●
Prepackaged battle simulations.
●
Additional communications.
●
Additional map coverage.
●
Maneuver area clearances.
●
Billeting.
●
Medical support.
●
Food service.
Sample division CPX controller facility configurations and relationships are shown in the following
diagrams. These can be tailored or augmented for use in CPXs con-ducted at other echelons. These
diagrams do not portray specific vehicles or buildings. They are presented to show the personnel,
elements, and equipment required and their physical relationships. Controller and player relationships are
as shown. The division command structure extending through the brigade, division artillery (DIVARTY),
and division support command (DISCOM) to the battalions should function as it would in a tactical
situation. These echelons inject realism by forcing units to respond to higher and lower unit needs.
PHASES
Preexercise
Prior to selecting the CPX training mode, the commander should determine whether the personnel chosen
to participate are proficient in the individual and collective skills required by their duty positions and
assigned units. Planners must consider the steps listed in Chapter 2.
Sufficient time must be allocated to allow for thorough planning and preparation. The size and length of
the exercise impacts on the time required for these functions.
Normally 24 to 48 hours before STARTEX, the controllers train the players in the conduct of the CPX.
Players who receive battlefield information directly from controllers must be given additional training on
how to convert that information into usable and recognizable formats. These formats include spot reports,
situation reports, NBC reports, shell reports, and others.
For controller and player training prior to a CPX, planners should consider the following subjects, as
appropriate:
●
Purpose and scope of the exercise.
●
●
Maneuver area rights and restrictions.
●
●
Enemy situation.
●
Control organization.
●
Communications plan for the exercise.
●
Controller duties.
●
●
Use of time delays in message transmission.
●
●
Intelligence play.
●
War-game procedures.
●
Information flow.
●
Controller communications check.
●
Controller reconnaissance of exercise area.
●
After-action reviews.
A CPX at the battalion level is normally conceived, planned, and conducted by the commander and his
staff. At higher echelons, planning staffs and controller teams are normally formed to plan, prepare,
conduct, and review the exercise. The commander directing the CPX first approves the objectives, scope,
troop list, exercise area, and outline plan of the CPX. Then the player unit commander and selected
personnel should be briefed by the controllers.
The planning staff completes the exercise LOI and sends it to the player unit for use in planning for the
exercise. The planning staff also uses the LOI to brief controllers, umpires, and evaluators. The LOI for
the CPX includes instructions for movement to the exercise site, if appropriate. Time must be set aside
and personnel assigned prior STARTEX to install necessary communications equipment, set up the
controller TOC, and prepare maps.
Execution
Immediately prior to STARTEX, the chief controller and staff give the player commander and staff a
commander's update briefing. Included in this briefing are any changes to the LOI which have not already
been announced or any items requiring reiteration. When this portion of the briefing is completed, the
chief controller assumes the role of the players' higher commander and is briefed by controllers, who
represent the staff. This briefing sets the stage for the exercise and imparts realism to it. At this point the
chief controller, in the role of higher commander, first converts the exercise OPLAN to an OPORD. Then
he announces that the staff is available for coordination with player counterparts. This is normally
STARTEX.
The division-level CPX functions as follows:
●
●
●
The players are presented with a general and a special situation.
The players react to the situation and provide information and reports, as appropriate, to higher,
lower, and adjacent units.
The control group, in its role as the corps, evaluates the player orders for mission accomplishment,
fights its own portion of the air-land battle, and responds to player requests for support, as
appropriate. At the same time, company commanders gathered around the battle map in each
brigade battle facility fight the battle according to battalion orders. The results of engagements are
relayed to the player headquarters as reports and requests that combine to create new situations
and continue to portray the battle.
●
●
The players react to the new situations as they would in combat. This forces battalions to alter
battle plans, issue FRAGOs, and place demands on CS and CSS units.
The process continues until the CPX is terminated.
Postexercise
At ENDEX, the chief controller holds an immediate AAR for all players and controllers, in order to gain
the maximum training benefit from the exercise. At a minimum, the AAR-●
●
Provides an opportunity for the players and controllers to exchange information, ideas, and lessons
learned.
Allows the threat controllers to explain their battle plans, battle outcomes, and strength at
ENDEX. An assessment of future threat capabilities is also presented.
Exercises conducted at brigade level and above offer an excellent opportunity to conduct a multiechelon
AAR. For example, a division CPX AAR could involve the following:
●
●
●
A battalion-level AAR conducted by battalion controllers for the battalion commander, staff,
company commanders, and threat controllers from the brigade battle facility.
A brigade-level AAR conducted by the battle facility controller for the brigade commander and
staff, battalion commanders, and controllers from the brigade battle facility.
A division-level AAR conducted by the exercise director for the division commander, staff, major
subordinate commanders, and selected staff members. Controllers from the ECC and selected
controllers from the brigade battle facilities participate in the AAR according to the agenda.
Following the division-level AAR, individual sessions may be held for functional areas: intelligence,
maneuver, fire sup-port, logistics, and communications. These discuss the action and interaction of each
staff function in detail. Appendix G contains a complete description of the AAR and after-action report.
FIELD TRAINING EXERCISES
DESCRIPTION
FTXs are high-cost, high-overhead exercises conducted under simulated combat conditions in the field.
They exercise command and control of all echelons in battle functions--intelligence, combat support,
combat service support, maneuver, communications--against an actual or simulated OPFOR. They are
conducted in a realistic environment using the full combined arms teams. They provide both intersystems
and intrasystems training to fight air-land battles, using all unit personnel and equipment. FTXs must
include all attached units.
FTXs provide the most realistic environment of all training exercises. FTXs allow participants to
appreciate real time and distance factors. FTXs involve several tactical situations in which one or more
units participate. They may require movement and communications over long distances. FTXs do not use
live fire. However, they may use a TES such as MILES to assess losses realistically. TC 25-6 provides
details regarding MILES employment.
FTXs are used to train the commander, staff, and subordinate units-●
To move and/or maneuver units realistically.
●
To employ organic weapon systems effectively.
●
To build teamwork and cohesion.
●
To plan and coordinate supporting fires.
●
To plan and coordinate logistical activities to support tactical operations.
FTXs are the only exercises that fully integrate the total force in a realistic combat environment. They
involve combat, CS, and CSS units to include battle staff, survivability, and combined arms training.
FTXs encompass battle drills, crew drills, situational training exercises, and other types of training to
reinforce individual and collective task integration.
Characteristics
FTXs are executed under battlefield conditions. They provide opportunities to practice both offensive and
defensive operations. Thus, they enhance the ability of soldiers and leaders to fight and survive on an
integrated battlefield. Such training builds teamwork under conditions likely to prevail in time of war and
impresses players, commanders, and staffs with the magnitude and scope of planning and operations.
FTXs portray administrative and logistical situations realistically so that player commanders and staffs
experience their impact on all aspects of the battle. FTXs should also integrate E W and NBC warfare
into exercise play. Doing so familiarizes commanders and staffs with the capabilities, availability, and
employment doctrine of EW and NBC assets. When properly employed, EW assets become a combat
multiplier that extends a unit's tactical capability. They provide commanders with nonlethal means, which
can accomplish desired results and conserve combat capability. PW play should be realistic. Trained
personnel should act as PWs so that interrogators and capturing units get realistic training.
FTX controllers, umpires, or evaluators must consider how players will be affected by the information
they input. These inputs should make the players aware of the tactical and logistical situations. The inputs
present situations and requirements that will cause players to act.
Controllers must not influence play artificially. The control group must render prompt and logical rulings
in all tactical and logistical situations that arise. When the players and OPFOR controllers make contact,
the control group allows the situation to develop until a tactical ruling is indicated or required. The
control group assesses casualties and damage. It announces rulings in a manner that provides as much
realism as possible. These rulings are based on observation of the player units, as well as on results from
war-gaming, player-directed actions. Controllers have free access to player facilities so they can perform
their assigned duties. However, they do not interfere with the players.
Personnel
Player unit personnel perform their assigned functions and duties. Controllers guide the exercise through
OPFOR actions. To do so they create tactical situations which achieve exercise objectives and cause the
play to flow to a logical conclusion. Evaluators observe player and OPFOR unit activities and determine
whether tasks are performed to predetermined standards. Umpires determine the results of battle
engagements, fires and obstacles, and support activities. They report the results to players, evaluators, and
controllers. OPFORs replicate enemy forces in the appropriate size and strength to portray the threat
activities realistically at specific times and places on the battlefield. The number of controller, umpire,
evaluator, and OPFOR personnel that will be required depends upon the size of the player organization
and the objectives of the exercise.
The equipment required for an FTX consists of-●
●
Communications equipment that will portray the higher headquarters of the player unit.
General purpose items such as office supplies, overlay production materials, message and journal
logs, report forms, unit SOPs, and appropriate reference materials.
●
Equipment that player units at all echelons need to operate in the field for a sustained period.
●
Appropriate military reference materials.
The exercise area should be large enough to allow realistic dispersion of all player units according to
AirLand Battle doctrine. See TC 25-1 for guidance in determining space requirements. The site for the
control headquarters should ensure good communications. The control headquarters should be located
where it will support the exercise and allow for easy travel to and from player headquarters. Facilities in
support of the control headquarters include-●
Security.
●
Visitor reception and briefing.
●
Food service.
●
Medical service.
●
Maintenance.
●
Hygiene facilities.
The amount of outside support required will also depend on the scope and duration of the exercise.
Assistance from outside agencies may be required in the following areas:
●
Additional communications capability.
●
Additional map coverage.
●
Maneuver area clearances.
●
Billeting.
●
Medical service.
●
Food service.
PHASES
Preexercise
Prior to selecting the FTX training mode, commanders must determine that subordinate commanders,
leaders, and soldiers are proficient in the individual, leader, and collective skills required by their duty
positions. Commanders will also ensure that all squads, platoons, and companies have attained basic
proficiency in appropriate ARTEP tasks and missions. This must be done to obtain the appropriate
training benefit from maneuvering tactical units while conducting a battalion-or brigade-level FTX.
Planners must consider the steps discussed in Chapter 2.
Normally within 72 hours before STARTEX, the planners of the excercise train the controllers and
umpires. Controller, evaluator, OPFOR, and umpire training for an FTX involves some or all of the
following:
●
Purpose and scope.
●
●
Maneuver area rights and restrictions.
●
●
Enemy situation.
●
OPFOR organization.
●
Rules of engagement.
●
●
Controller duties.
●
●
●
Intelligence play.
●
Information flow.
●
Controller communications checks.
●
Controller reconnaissance of exercise.
●
After-action review.
The chief controller first trains his staff in supporting umpires/controllers. Then the controllers brief the
player unit commanders and selected personnel on the exercise.
Execution
The LOI should include instructions for moving to the exercise site. Time should be set aside and
personnel assigned prior to STARTEX to install the necessary controller communications equipment, to
set up the controller TOC, and to prepare maps and overlays.
The controller manning tables for a division FTX in Appendix D can be used as guidelines for manning
the ECC. Manning tables should be modified to fit the echelon at which the FTX is being conducted. For
example, battalion ECCs need fewer personnel than division ECCs, and their functions are narrower.
Immediately prior to STARTEX, the chief controller and controller staff give the player commander and
staff a commander's update briefing. This briefing includes any changes to the LOI not already
announced or items that require reiteration. Then the chief controller assumes the role of the players'
higher commander. He is briefed by the controllers, who represent the staff. This briefing sets the stage
for the exercise and imparts realism. At this time, the chief controller, as the higher commander, converts
the exercise OPLAN to an OPORD. He then announces that the command staff is available for
coordination with their player counterparts. This normally constitutes STARTEX.
The battalion FTX functions as follows:
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Player units with their respective evaluators and umpires, controller elements, and OPFOR
personnel with their controllers and umpires move to initial field positions for STARTEX. They
receive an orientation on administrative requirements and exercise objectives. The general and
initial situations are issued to players.
OPFOR personnel are briefed separately and in a different location. They execute their role in the
FTX, using predesignated incidents from the schedule of events to trigger player actions.
Players fight the battle according to the initial OPORD. OPFOR actions are used to build
intelligence estimates, which require players' staffs to make estimates and commanders to issue
guidance and make decisions. FRAGOs are issued as needed in order to continue the battle.
Players provide reports to higher headquarters, request support, and allocate or apply combat
power, as appropriate.
Umpires determine the results of maneuver engagements and the effects of fire support. They
assess losses accordingly.
Controllers guide battle play in order to accomplish the exercise objectives and to keep the
exercise within the limits prescribed by the scenario.
Evaluators judge units and soldiers according to established standards in ARTEPs and soldiers
manuals.
This process continues until the FTX ends. The player commander in coordination with the chief
controller should monitor the attainment of the exercise objectives. If necessary, the exercise may
be halted to reorient either the OPFOR or the player units in order to accomplish the exercise
objectives.
All unit leaders and controllers must stress safety. They ensure that all participants follow the established
procedures for preventing injuries and keeping incidents caused by carelessness or overly aggressive
personnel from interrupting the exercise. These include-●
Stand-off distances between troops and vehicles to prevent physical contact.
●
Safety procedures for firing blanks and using pyrotechnics.
●
Search procedures for captured personnel.
●
Procedures for returning captured personnel to their own units as quickly as possible so the
soldiers can continue FTX training.
●
Safety procedures to halt all exercise activity.
●
Safety requirements for vehicle movement at night or in limited visibility.
FTXs must be thoroughly planned and executed, or extensive maneuver damage can result. Great care
must be taken to prevent water pollution or damage to roads, fields, crops, trees, animals, or man-made
structures.
Postexercise
At ENDEX, the chief controller holds an immediate AAR for all players and controllers in order to obtain
the maximum training benefit from the exercise. This AAR will-●
●
Provide an opportunity for the players and controllers to exchange information, ideas, and lessons
learned.
Allow the OPFOR controllers to explain their battle plans, the battle results, and their strength at
ENDEX. They should also present an assessment of future OPFOR capabilities. Appendix G
contains a full description of the AAR and after-action reports.
COMMAND FIELD EXERCISES
DESCRIPTION
CFXs lie on a scale between CPXs and FTXs. Available resources-- money, time, personnel, equipment-determine where CFXs fall on the scale. CFXs can also be used as backups for FTXs in the event that
maneuver damage or other factors such as changes in the weather prohibit the planned FTX.
The CFX is an FTX with reduced combat unit and vehicle density, but with full command and control,
CS, and CSS elements. For example, the platoon leader in his combat vehicle represents the entire
platoon. The battery headquarters, the fire direction center (FDC), and the base piece represent the
artillery firing battery. The CFX allows the full-up employment of certain assets such as the signal
battalion, the CEWI battalion, and the target acquisition battery (TAB). CFXs are not simply scaled-down
FTXs. They are, in fact, excellent vehicles for training commanders and staffs with certain full-up
systems to gather information, to provide communication links, and to develop intelligence. CFXs
provide real-time operations over actual distances with appropriate logistical support. They are driven by
schedules of events or by controlled OPFORs operating under the exercise director.
Characteristics
CFXs are less expensive than FTXs. Yet they provide equal training value for training of the staff. They
may be the single best way to train intersystems linkages for full-up integration of all brigade and above
assets. Commanders should use CFXs to sharpen unit skills in such areas as-●
Fire support.
●
Resupply procedures.
●
Rear area combat operations (RACO).
●
COSCOM interface.
●
CEWI collection interpretation. and dissemination procedures.
Personnel
Personnel requirements are similar to those in the FTX with fewer controllers/umpires needed at lower
levels.
Because CFXs use fewer soldiers than FTXs, they need less logistical support. The support should be
sufficient for the personnel and equipment actually employed. The maneuver area required for a CFX is
the same as for an FTX at the same echelon. However, because the CFX uses fewer vehicles, maneuver
damage is considerably less.
PHASES
Preexercise
CFXs follow the same planning steps as FTXs. Prior to selecting the CFX training mode, commanders
should determine if subordinate commanders, leaders, and soldiers are proficient in the individual, leader,
and collective skills required by their duty positions. Preliminary training through TEWTs, MAPEXs, and
CPXs can ensure that participants are sufficiently trained to justify the use of the CFX. Planners must
consider the steps discussed in Chapter 2. The complexity of each step depends upon the desires of the
commander directing the exercise and the echelon at which the exercise is con-ducted. Planning and
preparation must be thorough. The size and length of the exercise impacts on the time required for
preparation.
Normally within 72 hours before STARTEX, the controllers train the players in the conduct of the CFX.
Controller, evaluator, OPFOR, and umpire training is similar to the training requirements in preparation
for an FTX. The chief controller trains his umpires and controllers. Then they brief the player unit
commanders and selected personnel on the exercise. The planning staff completes the LOI and sends it to
the players for preparing for the exercise. The planning staff also uses the LOI to brief controllers,
umpires, OPFORs, and evaluators.
Execution
Control requirements are approximately the same as for an FTX. Additional control input is required
when more realism is added and more systems integrated. Moreover, additional controller input will be
required to simulate enemy activity, EW, or fire support as troop participation decreases.
Basic umpire functions in a CFX are the same as those required in an FTX, as described in Appendix D.
Umpires base their decisions on the orders and actions of player unit commanders, as understood and
executed by the lowest echelon player head-quarters. Umpires visualize how the units would actually be
employed based on the detailed plans and orders of the participating units.
Umpires are even more critical to successful CFXs than to FTXs. They must see the concept of the
exercise through the eyes of unit commanders. They must make decisions critical to exercise control and
unit evaluation. They must be present when company OPLANs, OPORDs, and FRAGOs are issued. They
must observe each platoon leader brief a simulated platoon to ensure that they have detailed pictures of
unit deployment when they meet with OPFOR umpires to determine the results of unit engagements.
Once platoon leaders have had sufficient time to simulate deployment, they should walk over the terrain
with the umpires or evaluators and explain the deployment. In turn, umpires must be able to explain the
disposition and maneuver of their player units to the OPFOR umpires, so that they can work together to
resolve the outcome of each engagement accurately and professionally. This coordination takes place
before the OPFOR and friendly units make contact. To do so, player and OPFOR umpires, who know
unit disposition and activities in detail, should meet at a vantage point to umpire the ensuing action.
Platoon umpires stay with their units and maintain radio contact with their company umpires. The
company umpires assess damage and casualties and consider reports from platoon umpires as fire and
maneuver take place on the battlefield. Platoon umpires relay the decisions of the company umpires to the
unit commanders. When platoons or companies do not physically participate, the umpires and their player
counterparts exchange plans, developments, and directed actions to war-game engagements and assess
the outcome of the action.
Postexercise
A face-to-face exchange between company umpires and their player counterparts is required at the
conclusion of each engagement. The CFX is executed and an AAR is conducted, as previously described
for the FTX.
LIVE-FIRE EXERCISES
DESCRIPTION
LFXs are high-cost, resource-intensive exercises in which player units move or maneuver and employ
organic and sup-porting weapon systems using full-service ammunition with attendant integration of all
CA, CS, and CSS.
The extensive range and ammunition requirements for LFXs usually limit them to platoon and company
team levels. Consequently, unit and weapon systems integration at the company team level is the
principal focus of the exercise.
LFXs can provide maximum training benefits through multiple iterations. These iterations, each including
an AAR, normally occur in the following sequence:
1. A dry run conducted to review the unit SOP and battle drills.
2. An AAR to discuss actions on this dry run.
3. A second run with a reduced amount of ammunition to show the complexities of fire and maneuver
coordination.
4. An AAR to discuss actions on this second run.
5. A third run with full ammunition to reinforce previous training and to build confidence.
6. An AAR to discuss actions on the third run.
7. A fourth iteration, preferably with ammunition, conducted at night or during limited visibility.
8. Other iterations using ammunition saved by crews/units to sustain and attain proficiency for new or
unqualified crews/units.
Characteristics
LFXs are executed under simulated battlefield conditions. They are employed by commanders to train
integration of fire and maneuver or movement against a realistic target array. They train squads, crews,
and sections to employ their weapons in a tactical environment. They permit evaluation of tactical
employment and precise measurement of the effectiveness of fire employed against target arrays.
Personnel
LFXs require commanders, leaders, and soldiers from the participating units. They also require
controllers, evaluators, umpires, and range support personnel. The control team, developed by the chief
controller, manages the exercise and causes exercise play to flow to a logical conclusion.
Evaluators and umpires observe the activities of the players and player units to assess the results of fires
and determine whether tasks are performed to standard. Range support personnel include an officer in
charge (OIC) and a chief safety officer. An ammunition detail is necessary to handle, secure, and account
for ammunition. A guard detail controls traffic adjacent to and entering the range. If targets are left in
place overnight, additional guards are required. A target detail checks targets after each unit run.
Demolition personnel emplace and detonate the explosives in demolition pits. Moving target operators, if
applicable, activate the appropriate targets at the appropriate time in the scenario. Administrative
personnel assist the range OIC and chief safety officer in operating radios and telephones and in
tabulating scores. Medical personnel and a litter-carrying vehicle stand by.
Player units are expected to have assigned TOE equipment on hand. LFXs are con-ducted according to
local range regulations and SOPs. Target arrays should adequately display the appearance and
characteristics of the threat force targets. Communications equipment must be available for range
operations (according to the range SOP) and for controller/evaluator personnel.
Transportation, food service, ammunition, and administrative support for the LFXs are dictated by the
level and scope of the exercise. LFXs for maneuver elements also require the following materials:
●
Target engagement chart.
●
Target description chart.
●
Target maps.
●
Demolition pit map.
●
Fire support plan.
●
Ammunition amounts, by type.
The target engagement chart describes the manner and sequence in which targets will be displayed. It
keys the target display to events from the scenario. Before the LFX starts, controller personnel must
receive instructions from range personnel on using the scenario, chart, and target system.
The target map is normally in strip map format and shows where each target, by number, is located on the
range. The demolition pit map shows the location of each demolition pit on the range, displaying its
number.
Fire support information details the weapons and ammunition that can be fired be fired and specifies
when they can be fired. It provides special instructions to the players and controllers. Approved overlays
of all firing points and the to weapons and ammunition from them must be developed and approved by
range control. Information concerning ammunition requirements must be provided.
PHASES
Preexercise
Before selecting the LFX training mode, commanders must ensure that subordinate commanders, leaders,
and soldiers are proficient in the individual and collective skills required for maneuvering or moving and
for employing weapons and weapon systems in tactical environments. Planners must consider the steps
discussed in Chapter 2.
Scenarios for LFXs differ from those described in Chapter 2. because of the specific control measures
dictated by safety requirements. Scenarios are normally modified to fit the range on which the LFX is
conducted. Scenarios should precisely define the sequence of events in terms of the types of targets and
the time that specific target arrays are displayed.
Scenarios must be flexible enough to allow the commander and other leaders to decide how to use the
terrain. They must also be extensive enough to facilitate training and evaluation of unit tasks executed in
accordance with the commander's concept for the operation, which is formulated through a METT
assessment. They must be varied enough to allow leaders to engage the proper targets with the right
weapons at the appropriate times. Sample scenarios for defense and offense in a platoon LFX are shown
in Figures 22 and 23. More detailed scenarios are available from the commanders of local live-fire
complexes. The battalion commander and company commanders normally plan LFXs, and battle
simulations are not used.
The OPORD issued to the player unit for an LFX is in the form of a standard five-paragraph field order. It
contains enough detail to ensure that the player unit deploys properly to begin the exercise and to allow
the LFX to flow smoothly.
The commander directing the LFX approves its objectives, scope, troop list, exercise area, and outline
plan. Then the player unit commander and selected personnel, such as controllers, umpires, and
evaluators, must be briefed on the exercise. The company commander uses the exercise LOI as a basis for
providing instructions to subordinates.
Before the unit occupies the range, each OIC, controller, umpire, and evaluator must be briefed by range
control personnel. Briefings are scheduled with range control operations and conducted at least 24 hours
before STARTEX. These briefings include a terrain walk of the entire range area. It familiarizes
evaluators and safety personnel with all the safety requirements.
Controller, evaluator, and umpire training for an LFX include the following:
●
Purpose and scope.
●
●
Range regulations and restrictions.
●
●
Enemy situation and its relationship to the target array.
●
Control measures.
●
●
Controller duties.
●
●
Controller, evaluator, and umpire records and reports.
●
Intelligence play.
●
Safety during live fire.
●
Medical treatment and evacuation procedures.
Execution
The unit moves to and tactically occupies an assembly area. The assembly area may be task force size
with other teams depicted as notional units. At this time, live ammunition is issued but not loaded in
weapons. MILES should be integrated into the exercise when range or resource limitations prevent live
fire for certain weapon systems such as the Dragon, TOW, or HELLFIRE.
Final briefings occur at the task force command post in the vicinity. The task force commander and staff
brief the team commander and selected key personnel on the immediate enemy situation. They also give
any last minute administrative and safety instructions. Leaders conduct a reconnaissance under the
supervision of the range OIC. The team commander prepares plans and gives a briefing to the task force
commander and staff. The team commander then briefs his subordinates.
The team conducts a tactical move to the attack position, which is close to the line of departure/line of
contact (LD/LC). here the live ammunition is loaded in the weapons, and the safeties are locked. The
controller gives the order to begin the attack. Once the team is across the LD/LC, it may begin live firing.
The exercise then continues until the scenario is completed.
After the exercise, participants clear all weapons, and controllers immediately collect all the live
ammunition. Safety personnel check and clear all weapons before the unit moves off the range. The
company returns tactically to the assembly area where it receives an AAR.
Postexercise
The chief controller and commander conduct the AAR. It should include range control personnel and
evaluators who lead a discussion of the unit's performance in relation to-●
Troop-leading procedures.
●
Maneuver.
●
Close support.
●
Weapons employment.
●
Communication of orders and directives.
●
Combined arms integration.
FIRE COORDINATION EXERCISES
FCXs are medium-cost, reduced-scale exercises that can be conducted at platoon, company/team, and
battalion/task force levels. The purpose of FCXs is to exercise the command and control skills of the
leadership of the unit through the integration of all organic weapon systems, as well as indirect and
supporting fires. Subcaliber devices are substituted for service ammunition to permit fire planning and
simulated employment of all weapon systems available to support the commander in the execution of his
assigned mission. FCXs should stress target acquisition. FCXs present target arrays and target
information to player units, placing commanders and leaders in realistic battle-field situations. Targets
controlled mechanically and electronically appear at the appropriate places and times according to the
scenario. Commanders employ FCXs to train subordinate leaders to integrate and distribute direct and
indirect fire systems so that the optimum weapons engage the targets at optimum ranges as they become
vulnerable to engagement.
FCXs should be fast moving, with several weapon systems engaging multiple targets simultaneously as
targets enter optimum engagement ranges. FCXs should challenge the skills of commanders, subordinate
leaders, crews of direct fire weapons, FDC personnel and forward observers. They facilitate training in
the effective use of organic weapon systems, employment of supporting weapon systems, and target
acquisition systems. FCXs require players to react to fluid battlefield situations by promptly applying
supporting and organic fires against changing target arrays.
Note: TC 25-4-1 should be used as a study guide prior to participation in FCXs.
DEPLOYMENT EXERCISES
Deployment exercises (DEPEXs) provide training for individual soldiers, units, and support agencies in
the tasks and procedures for deploying from home stations or installations to areas of hostilities.
Practicing these tasks and procedures ensures that-●
●
●
Soldiers have properly secured and accounted for military equipment and personal property in
case of actual deployment.
Soldiers have their personal and family affairs in order.
Soldiers are qualified in the minimum essential combat skills such as weapon qualification and
NBC proficiency.
●
Unit alert and recall plans are current and adequate.
●
Unit equipment disposition plans and loading plans are current and accurate.
●
●
Unit SOPs for movement to the embarkation point and from the debarkation point to the mission
site are current and adequate.
Units, higher headquarters, installation, and supporting agencies such as maintenance, logistics,
and transportation have current and adequate staff and support functions for deployment.
DEPEXs are conducted under simulated emergency conditions. They use immediate deployment such as
the emergency deployment readiness exercise (EDRE); or if time is available, they use time-phased
deployment with AARs built in. Deployment involves a complex matrix of SOPs that are very timecritical and sequential, both hour-by-hour and day-by-day. They may be conducted as stand-alone
exercises or as parts of CPXs or FTXs.
Commanders vary the scope and complexity of DEPEXs based on resources, time, and training
objectives. One option is a full-scale exercise. In it, units actually move deployable equipment to staging
areas and load equipment and personnel aboard air, rail, or sea transport. At the other extreme, no
equipment is moved. Personnel report to designated locations for coordination and for any necessary
activities short of moving equipment. Deployment procedures are also exercised with facilities that
simulate deployment processing agencies. For example, medical personnel and transportation stations as
required by the scenario may set up in a large gymnasium. Designated personnel representing the
deploying unit and participating agencies report to the proper station to coordinate activities. In such
environments, DEPEXs are conducted like MAPEXs, using scenarios, maps, and appropriate sketches.
JOINT TRAINING EXERCISES
Joint training exercises (JTXs) involve two or more services of the US armed forces. A JTX at brigade
level and higher may be a-●
MAPEX.
●
CPX.
●
CFX.
●
FTX.
●
DEPEX.
The planning steps for JTXs are similar to those employed in preparation for the conduct of other types of
exercises. The planning staff includes representatives from all the services involved. Each service must
have adequate time to plan, staff, and approve its exercise support plans. Special accountability
arrangements may be required for logistics support to accommodate the elements of each service. For
example, if the Army provides all the fuel, it must establish an accounting system for the fuel consumed
by other services.
In preexercise training, participants review each service's tactical SOP and joint training regulations.
Umpires study the capabilities of the various weapon systems used by each service. They prepare
appropriate effects tables to assess weapon effects and battle casualties.
The following considerations are essential to the success of JTXs. They must receive detailed attention
during the planning, execution, and evaluation phases:
●
Command and control relationships.
●
Interoperability of weapon and support systems.
●
Communication and electronics compatibility and procedures.
●
Map compatibility.
●
Administrative and logistics arrangements.
During the planning phase, services must be advised of AAR procedures and the necessity for their
participation. Representatives from each service must actively participate in the AAR.
COMBINED TRAINING EXERCISES
Combined training exercises (CTXs) involve armed forces from two or more nations. CTXs may be in the
form of any of the training exercises previously described. The planning steps for CTXs are the same as
those discussed in Chapter 2.
Language differences among participants must be addressed and practical steps taken to ensure effective
two-way communication. CTX planners must also consider differences in doctrine, organization,
logistics, and customs. The unified commander of the multinational armed forces involved in a CTX must
establish an exercise planning group to ensure these matters are considered. This group must include
planning staff representatives from all the armed forces elements involved. The group's primary goal
throughout the planning, execution, and evaluation phases is interoperability of both equipment and
methods of operations. Interoperability allows multinational armed forces to work smoothly and
effectively together.
The following considerations are vital to successful CTXs and must receive detailed attention during the
planning process:
●
●
●
Common objectives. Multinational armed forces participating in a CTX must agree upon training
objectives.
Command and control relationships. CTXs should exercise the wartime operational command
structure as established by international agreement.
Standing operating procedures. For effective operations, the nations involved will exchange SOPs
and translations of commonly used terms.
●
●
●
●
●
Coordination. Because boundaries between multinational armed forces are particularly vulnerable,
areas adjacent to them require detailed coordination. Operational procedures must be established
to ensure mutually supporting and responsive employment of all direct and indirect fire to include
close air support (CAS).
Communications. Communications equipment and language training must permit interoperability
in the nets of the armed forces elements involved.
Language. Interpreter-translators will be required in key positions to allow commanders to
communicate effectively with adjacent, supporting, and supported units.
Liaison. Liaison teams must be bilingual and know the organization, procedures, and equipment of
the armed forces with which they will be operating.
Plans and orders. Commanders must take differences in tactics, terminology, graphics, and
language into consideration when issuing orders. Personal contact among commanders and liaison
teams is necessary to ensure mutually agreed upon and supporting actions during the exercise.
During the planning phase, all national armed forces must be advised of AAR procedures and the
necessity for their participation. Representatives from each-national force should participate actively in
the AAR.
FM 25-4 Appendix A
RDL
APPENDIX A
Scenario Example
OUTLINE
The defense of Western Europe is a fundamental US national security objective. This sample exercise
scenario for a notional corps in the Central Army Group (CENTAG) in Europe portrays corps actions
during the early days of a general war in Central Europe. To provide the foundation for both the exercise
scenario and the schedule of events, exercise planners develop a scenario outline.
SCENARIO
NATO COMMAND STRUCTURE
During general alerts or wartime, national forces in NATO are placed under operational command
(OPCOM) of the Allied Command, Europe (ACE). Each nation is responsible for its own combat service
support; therefore, the US theater army (TA) commander will retain command and control of US CSS
forces in the communications zone (COMMZ). The resulting NATO command structure is shown below.
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FM 25-4 Appendix A
GENERAL SITUATION
The nations of Europe are generally divided into two camps: the western-aligned nations that comprise
NATO; the Soviet Union and its satellite regimes that make up the Warsaw Pact. Germany is similarly
divided, with the Federal Republic of Germany aligned with NATO, and the German Democratic
Republic (GDR) aligned with the Warsaw Pact. Germany is vital to the interests of both NATO and
Soviet efforts to expand their spheres of influence.
Three months ago, relations between NATO and the USSR deteriorated to the point of a complete
diplomatic breakdown. Charges of an unprecedented Soviet arms buildup and charges of Soviet
FM 25-4 Appendix A
violations of arms control agreements by NATO were answered by strident propaganda attacks by
communist controlled news media. This propaganda further deteriorated confidence and increased
tensions.
Both the Warsaw Pact and NATO forces have fully mobilized. The general disposition of forces and
threat attack plans are shown in Figures 24 and 25. Initial enemy air superiority is assumed.
FM 25-4 Appendix A
FM 25-4 Appendix A
INITIAL SITUATION
In the past several years, relations between NATO nations and the enemy in Central Europe steadily
deteriorated over the issue of the reunification of Germany. In early 19__, most negotiations and
diplomatic relations between the Western Allies and the enemy were suspended. By E-73, provocative
Soviet maneuver exercises along the eastern border of the Federal Republic of Germany had increased.
Intelligence reports indicated a massive buildup, especially in the central region of Germany. By E-60,
the NATO secretary general authorized the European allied commander to declare a low-level alert. All
national units permanently assigned under Allied Command Europe were reinforced, and all nonessential
US dependents were ordered to CONUS. The commander in chief, United States Army, Europe
(CINCUSAREUR), requested early shipment of replacement combat vehicles, as well as buildup of
ammunition, spare parts, and high priority Class IX assemblies from CONUS.
FM 25-4 Appendix A
In response to a continued enemy buildup, NATO declared a mid-level alert on E-37 and a high-level
alert one week later (E-30), when all NATO nations began mobilization. On the same day, the US
declared a state of national emergency and ordered selected units of the Ready and Standby Reserves to
active duty. The president ordered the deployment of forces to Germany. During the mobilization period,
a limited number of active personnel and combat and combat support units began deploying to Europe by
air. Merchant ships were engaged to transport equipment and other supplies to Europe to reinforce
deployed US units.
The Soviet Union ignored repeated attempts to negotiate; therefore, NATO nations continued to
strengthen their defenses in Central Europe. As NATO's defense posture improved rapidly, the chances
of an enemy daring raid diminished until it was no longer considered a realistic threat. The primary threat
FM 25-4 Appendix A
appeared to be a major offensive operation against NATO forces, as indicated by continued enemy air
buildup and ground force deployment. On E-25, several US Air Force fighter, fighter bomber, and
reconnaissance squadrons began deploying to Germany.
On E-14, the 10th (US) and 12th (US) Corps units were deployed to positions along the international
border. From north to south, CENTAG forces consisted of the 9th (GE), 12th (US), 10th (US), and 4th
(GE) Corps.
The enemy continued to build up combat units and began to pre-position ammunition and fuel at supply
points along the inter-national border. Upgraded active duty CS and CSS units were deployed from
CONUS. A COMMZ was established under a TA commander to support the 10th (US) and 12th (US)
Corps. Recently activated Reserve Component units were deployed from CONUS by air and surface
transportation and began arriving in the theater at E-10.
Allied forces continued making defensive preparations in sectors, and at E-7 all CENTAG corps
implemented their OPLANS. In the 10th (US) Corps sector, OPLAN 1-82 became OPORD 1-82. It
placed the 201st Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 313th Separate Mechanized Brigade in a covering
force mission under the deputy corps commander. The 20th Infantry Division, the 54th Mechanized
Division, the 124th Separate Infantry Brigade, the 25th Armored Division, and the 230th Separate
Armored Brigade were ordered to defend the MBA in the corps sector. The 312th Separate Mechanized
Division was given a primary RACO mission in the corps rear. The 171st Air Cavalry Combat Brigade
was placed in reserve.
POMCUS was issued, and residual was placed in the supply system. All PWRMs were issued by E-Day.
PWRMs remaining at E-Day were treated as GS supply items reported accordingly.
Intelligence reports indicated enemy force concentrations were nearing final preparation for a major
offensive operation. Three combined arms armies and one tank army were identified massing near the
international border.
FM 25-4 Appendix A
FM 25-4 Appendix A
FM 25-4 Appendix B
RDL
APPENDIX B
CS and CSS in Exercises
PRINCIPLES
Support functions respond to the needs of the supported units. Figure 30 depicts the system within which
CS and CSS units operate.
The tactical situation creates the needs to which the system responds. Consequently, the tactical situation
drives the support system. The response is the way in which CS and CSS fill the needs. It is determined by
the resources available. In wartime, the needs are created by what happens on the battlefield: equipment
may be lost or damaged, personnel may be killed or wounded. However, in peacetime exercises, planners
determine the tactical situation and the resources available in order to meet the objectives.
In training exercises, CS and CSS units support actual units or notional units. Actual units generate their
own needs. However, to meet the exercise objectives, planners control the resources available for
responding to these needs. For notional units, planners control both the needs and the resources. In
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FM 25-4 Appendix B
preparing for training, planners should employ the principles in this manual to conduct CS and CSS
training exercises.
This appendix discusses specific considerations for planning, controlling, umpiring, and evaluating the
following functions:
●
Health services.
●
Military police.
●
Personnel and administration.
●
Transportation.
●
Maintenance.
HEALTH SERVICES OPERATIONS
Exercise play should include health services support operations, involving both nonmedical units and
supporting Army Medical Department (AMEDD) organizations. As far as possible, AMEDD units and
personnel should provide realistic support in exercises. They use moulaged casualties to train medical
units in the transport, triage, and care of the wounded.
The terms patient and casualty are precise designations that ensure proper care of actual patients and
proper use of actual resources. Patients are sick, injured, or wounded personnel receiving medical care or
treatment. Actual patients are those who are really sick, injured, or wounded. They need actual medical
care. Simulated patients are not really sick, injured, or wounded. They are tagged or otherwise identified
(with or without cosmetic makeup) to simulate actual patients for training or evaluation purposes. They
must be physically moved or cared for to meet training or evaluation requirements. Constructive patients
represent sick, injured, or wounded patients in reports, messages, or other written or oral communications
to assist in CPX play. It is not necessary to move these patients. Casualties are those lost to their
organizations because of death, wounds, injuries, or disease. The differences among actual, simulated, and
constructive casualties are similar to those described for patients. In exercises, all patients and casualties
should have one of these designations.
Actual health services support must integrate with simulated and constructive exercise play. However,
actual support should not replace simulated or constructive play unless it is furnished under the combat
conditions. For example, a combat support hospital (CSH) providing only area sick call support for an
exercise is not accomplishing its major CSS mission. See Table 9 for the types of health services support
operations that should be performed by different levels of AMEDD and non-AMEDD units in field
exercises.
FM 25-4 Appendix B
PLANS
Exercise directors must ensure that AMEDD planners include actual, simulated, and constructive health
services support requirements early in preexercise planning. AMEDD training objectives should integrate
with other exercise objectives. Detailed guidance is contained in the 8-series AMEDD ARTEPs.
Planners must identify all the necessary resources such as-●
Funds.
●
Personnel.
●
Equipment.
●
Supplies.
●
Transportation.
Some of the required health services personnel for exercises may be temporarily assigned to fixed
installation medical facilities. Agreements between AMEDD TOE units and the local medical
activity/medical center (MEDDAC/MEDCEN) should specify the release procedures for TOE unit
personnel in on-the-job training or directed support programs. Agreements should specify procedures for
obtaining controller, umpire, and evaluator personnel. Local agreements should also provide adequate time
to request and obtain release of personnel from their parent units. When local assets cannot provide actual,
simulated, and constructive health services assistance, requests should go through appropriate command
FM 25-4 Appendix B
channels.
To support the training objectives of most AMEDD treatment and evacuation units, realistic simulated
casualty or patient play is necessary. Exercise planners must determine the source of casualties and
patients, for example, by assessing player units or by using casualty or patient pools. In exercises that
involve only medical or other support units, pools are usually necessary to provide the required volume of
patients or casualties. In large exercises, assessments during exercise play should generate casualties. This
procedure ensures that AMEDD training objectives are met. It also ensures that player units operate with
realistic combat losses. Detailed instructions issued to controllers, umpires, and player units specify how to
release simulated casualties into the treatment and evacuation system. Procedures must also provide for the
timely return of personnel to units upon their release from medical channels. Normally, exercised to
accomplish this. AMEDD units are not responsible for returning patients to their units.
Casualties should simulate only those injuries or diseases that could be found in the area of operations
under the conditions established for the exercise. To determine the battle and nonbattle casualties for each
exercise, planners consider-●
Units involved.
●
Troop population and density.
●
Enemy forces.
●
Type of combat.
●
Weather.
●
Terrain.
The available resources may limit the simulated casualties. To meet the training objectives, varying
numbers of casualties are necessary.
Medical planning should provide realistic situations and events for AMEDD units. It should provide
enough information so that participating units can respond realistically. Medical units practice
survivability operations and operate 24 hours a day.
For FTXs, units attached to the medical headquarters in peacetime or scheduled for attachment in
contingency operations may comprise only a portion of the organization. Other units must be added, as
needed. ARTEP 8-112 contains guidance.
PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT
FM 25-4 Appendix B
Detailed requirements to support specific AMEDD units are contained in appropriate 8-series ARTEPs. To
determine the personnel and equipment for large-unit exercises, planners analyze-●
The objectives of the exercise.
●
The quantity, types, and locations of player units.
●
The timing of exercise events.
Control and evaluation functions may be combined or separated, depending on the exercise. Sufficient
qualified personnel must be available to play all nonparticipating agencies with which the unit would
normally coordinate and communicate. Many professional specialties in AMEDD units cannot be
adequately evaluated. Controllers must be experienced and knowledgeable enough to initiate actions for,
and respond to, player units. Control personnel have to moulage simulated patients and instruct them in
their roles. Simulated casualty pools that generate patient play must have sufficient personnel. The
appropriate 8-series ARTEPs recommend numbers of personnel for specific units. Driver/radio telephone
operator (RATELO) personnel with vehicles are required to support the AMEDD controllers, umpires,
evaluators, and patients.
When simulated patients and casualties are in treatment facilities during meal hours, the facilities will feed
them. Class X clothing is required for simulated patients, particularly those who will be moulaged.
CONTROL
Exercise plans must specify detailed control procedures for actual casualties and patients. Actual medical
support is normally the responsibility of the participating units. Provisions are made for-●
Sick call and outpatient care.
●
Emergency care.
●
Ground and air evacuation, as appropriate.
●
Hospitalization.
●
Care for personnel unable to return to their units but not requiring hospitalization.
●
Medical supply and maintenance support.
●
Communications to support the above functions.
FM 25-4 Appendix B
Casualty tags identify simulated casualties, place them into training exercises, and trace their movement
through the medical treatment and evacuation system. If simulated casualties result from assessments,
controllers must be briefed and issued the simulated casualty tags with Part A completed. Often the
assessors are not AMEDD personnel. They may be controllers for other participating units. When players
are tagged, Part B of the tag should be completed, separated, and turned in to AMEDD controllers on a
prearranged schedule, normally at least once a day. Part A should remain affixed to the simulated casualty
until released from medical channels. The last medical treatment or evacuation unit seeing the casualty
should keep Part A and turn it in to AMEDD controllers on a prearranged schedule. Controllers should
compare the collected Parts A and B at least once daily. Doing so ensures that assessed casualties are
being released into, and properly moved through, the medical system. Controllers should bring major
problem areas to the attention of player units for corrective action.
Standard moulage aids are relatively simple and increase visual impact, Patients must be briefed on
behavior, signs, and symptoms. Then they can add realism to the exercise play.
Exercises with MILES should use the casualty procedures in TC 25-8. Controllers for such exercises will
be issued packages of MILES casualty tags (GTA 8-11-5). The tags are issued concurrently with MILES
devices. Unlike the casualty tags described above, the MILES casualty tags have predetermined wound
diagnoses by percentage of various types of casualties. The controller will randomly issue one tag to each
player prior to STARTEX. Players will place the tags in their pockets without reading them. If a player's
MILES equipment is activated, the controllers read the card to assess the casualty.
FM 25-4 Appendix B
If a casualty pool is used, medical controller personnel should moulage and brief the patients, attach a
casualty tag and/or DD Form 1380 (Field Medical Card), and coordinate their insertion in exercise play.
Simulated casualties can be introduced into play by-●
Being transported to the treatment facility by ground or air ambulances or other vehicles.
●
Being picked up at simulated aid stations or other field sites by evacuation units.
●
Walking into a facility.
If the scenarios require that casualties be evacuated after receiving initial treatment, each must have a DD
Form 1380 to reflect treatment received.
Non-AMEDD controllers must ensure that released patients return to their units according to established
exercise procedures. If they do not receive casualty information through normal communications,
controllers portraying a unit's higher headquarters or a subordinate unit should request it from player units.
These controllers should also respond realistically to requests from participating units.
FM 25-4 Appendix B
Detailed procedures for evaluating and maintaining records of medical exercise activities are found in
appropriate 8-series ARTEPs and FM 8-23. Also, see TC 25-6 for instructions on MILES-supported
exercises.
DA Pamphlet 310-12 describes a wide range of available simulation training aids. Planners should also
consider other locally constructed aids. Some applicable nonstandard aids may be available through the
MEDDAC/MEDCEN. They may be justified for purchase and use within a command. Improvised medical
training aids are as varied as imagination and resources allow.
MILITARY POLICE OPERATIONS
Military police (MP) units participate in exercises to provide realism. These units provide combat, CS, and
CSS to the commander. Table 10 summarizes MP missions and operations and identifies the military
police TOE units responsible for each.
FM 25-4 Appendix B
PLANS
Military police planning considerations are applicable to actual tactical situations, as well as to the
planning and conduct of training exercises. Wherever feasible, military police participate in the planning
so that their training needs can be incorporated in the exercise. Tasks in the MP ARTEP should be
included in the exercise scenario. Additional military police tasks dictated by local missions or
FM 25-4 Appendix B
circumstances may also be included. Planners should keep in mind the size and actual capabilities of the
military police unit being employed. The wide spectrum of possible military police missions requires that
the military police be given every opportunity to experience situations as close to actual combat conditions
as possible. For example, military police play a vital role in RACO. Planning of military police missions
for RACO should be exercised in accordance with current doctrine. The conditions needed to employ
military police realistically are best met by including them in exercises conducted by major head-quarters.
Military police can receive excellent training in planning for, and assisting with, the movement of units to
and from the training areas.
Military police planners develop their plans to best support the concept of the exercise. Planning factors
that affect military police employment include-●
Number, types, and missions of units in the MP element's area of operation.
●
Specific missions and the type of support required of the MP element.
●
Quantity, quality, and types of vehicles and equipment available to the MP element.
●
Environmental conditions within the area of operations.
●
Width, depth, size, and location of built-up areas.
●
Attitudes and needs of the inhabitants.
●
Requirements for augmentation by MP elements.
●
Enemy capabilities in the rear area.
●
Political or psychological activities directed against US forces.
The military police controller, umpire, or evaluator checks to ensure that MP unit commanders establish
mission priorities in the light of available troops and provide for 24-hour area coverage. Once these
determinations have been made, the formula below, as well as the directions found in ARs 310-31, 310-49,
and 570-2, may be used.
Military police planners will consider special equipment, facilities, and transportation. MP units can
provide the majority of their equipment needs. Special missions require augmentation. Such missions may
involve-●
Support of river-crossing forces.
FM 25-4 Appendix B
●
Security of ports and harbors.
●
Security of permanent stations.
●
Handling unusual numbers of PWs or military prisoners.
●
Riot or civil disorder control.
●
Security for extended lines of communication (LOC) under enemy observation and fire.
Military police planners consider aviation employment and support in the following missions:
●
Command and control, especially for extending communications capabilities.
●
Security.
●
●
Overwatch of extended LOC, including convoy cover, location of congestion, interruption of the
MSR, and in-transit security.
Movement of MP elements to unblock a threat obstruction and to relieve congestion on road
networks.
●
Timely coordination with supported head-quarters and subordinate military police elements.
●
Evacuation of selected PWs for special protection or interrogation.
FM 25-4 Appendix B
Contingency planning must include implementing instructions to undertake all types of operational
support, including-●
Rear area protection.
●
Security of critical installations.
●
Security of LOC.
●
Reaction to major disaster situations (area damage control).
●
Reaction to installation security plans.
●
Reaction to civil disturbance and riot control missions.
●
Implementation of nuclear accident/incident control plans.
●
Conduct of joint operations.
PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATION OPERATIONS
Personnel and administation (P&A) functions are heavily loaded with peacetime requirements. During
wartime, only a few of these functions become more important or create a heavier work load than during
FM 25-4 Appendix B
peace-time. Training exercises must focus on these critical wartime functions at each echelon. Critical
functions include-●
Personnel strength accounting.
●
Personnel information system (automated/manual) operations.
●
Replacement requirements and requisitions.
●
Replacement processing/operations.
●
Casualty reporting.
●
Military awards.
●
Postal operations.
●
Tactical administration service operations.
●
Promotions/reductions.
Other P&A functions may be performed in combat. However, these are the critical ones that must be
performed by each echelon. They differ from echelon to echelon. For example, at battalion level,
personnel information will be detailed. At corps level, it will be summarized. Tactical SOPs and plans
should include procedures and requirements to ensure that the system supports each echelon.
PLANS
For successful exercises, P&A planning must occur early. It must-●
Establish objectives.
●
Determine which functions will be played and plan to exercise them thoroughly.
●
Coordinate with scenario developers to ensure that the play will exercise the selected objectives.
In multiechelon exercises, P&A elements at all levels must coordinate to ensure that current SOPs and
plans are sufficient. In exercises without higher and lower echelons, controllers must be provided proper
information to create exercise realism. A number of functions require support from other organizations. If
a player element does not provide this support, a controller must provide it to ensure that the units are fully
exercised. For example, the division AG company (replacement detachment) needs transportation support
from the supply and transportation (S&T) battalion to move replacements. If the replacement system is not
FM 25-4 Appendix B
being exercised, movement requirements must still be submitted so that the transportation element can
exercise.
Exercises should involve both P&A functional and tactical responsibilities. For example, the division AG
company should also perform rear area security and rear area damage control in the division support area.
The maneuver battalion's personnel administration center (PAC) should perform the same function in the
brigade trains area.
The personnel selected for the exercise must be those who would normally perform during combat
operations. The exercise objectives and the P&A functions to be played determine the actual number of
participants. Only equipment authorized by the TOE should be used. Blank forms and appropriate
references required by field SOPs should be available.
CONTROL
Exercise play drives P&A activities. For example, as personnel losses are declared, these losses are
translated into MOSs and reported in accordance with established procedures. The personnel controller is
the key to this function. He should have the TOE and Standard Installation/Division Personnel System
(SIDPERS) rosters to verify losses by MOS and grade. The personnel controller ensures that personnel
and other staff elements coordinate properly especially when exercise action increases. ARTEPs and 12series field manuals cover P&A elements.
TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS
Exercise play should include realistic transportation requirements for participating units. Transportation
planners consider-●
The types of transportation operations and the modes of transportation to be exercised. See Table
11 for an example.
●
The levels of transportation to be exercised.
●
The integration of transportation play into exercises.
FM 25-4 Appendix B
PLANS
Planning steps identify basic transportation levels--strategic, coordinative, and operative. The steps then
relate these to the transportation command structure. The strategic level involves high-level, long-range
planning. It is done by the assistant chief of staff for transportation at theater army HQ or by the senior
transportation command in a theater. The coordinative level integrates movement. Normally, the
movement control center or the senior transportation command does this planning. The operative level
involves unit missions. Each unit performs its function:
●
Discharging containers from ships.
●
Clearing terminals by truck, water, rail, and air.
●
Performing intermediate aviation maintenance.
●
Providing training for troops.
FM 25-4 Appendix B
FM 25-4 Appendix B
Exercise planners assign tasks at the correct transportation level--strategic, coordinative, or operative.
Planners use the applicable ARTEP to suggest support requirements for various transportation exercises,
as well as the framework for the desired standards and control.
MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS
By virtue of their missions, maintenance units perform daily many of the functions they can expect to
perform under field conditions. At the DS level, these include-●
Inspecting.
●
Testing.
●
Classifying.
●
Supplying repair parts.
●
Cannibalizing.
●
Controlling exchange.
●
Repairing.
●
Modifying materiels.
These are prime candidates for exercise play. Some functions, notably reclamation, overhaul, and
rebuilding, are performed at maintenance levels higher than DS. Nonetheless, exercise planners should
consider giving all functions some play.
The exercise scenario should include the applicable tasks shown in the appropriate ARTEP. It should also
include tasks that are not part of the daily maintenance mission.
Exercises should be as close as possible to actual combat. For example, the supply function should train in
conjunction with maintenance. Doing so is important because most maintenance supply actions will have
an effect on Class IV supply. Similarly, the materiel management center (MMC) should train to find
additional sources of repair parts, such as adjacent maintenance units and equipment that can be
cannibalized. Accurate and timely readiness reporting is absolutely essential. Effective communications
nets are also vital. If radio silence is imposed, couriers must be used. Likewise, as maintenance support
teams (MSTs) are sent forward, they should train to satisfy both the supported and supporting units.
Response times may be critical, both for equipment repair and MST survivability. MSTs may be
transported by airlift to the equipment or provided armored maintenance vehicles.
FM 25-4 Appendix C
RDL
APPENDIX C
Opposing Forces
PURPOSE
OPFOR units are trained and equipped to confront US units with realistic opponents that look like and
fight like potential adversaries. Such realism enhances training exercises. Well-equipped OPFOR units
are skilled in the tactics and techniques of a potential adversary. They not only add realism to training
exercises, but generate player enthusiasm. Soldiers learn the potential adversary's tactics, doctrine, and
weapon systems that they could successfully exploit in air-land battles. OPFOR units encourage-●
Effective intelligence-gathering procedures.
●
Electronic warfare techniques.
●
Operations security measures.
●
Deception measures.
●
Unconventional warfare techniques.
Presently, the collective sustainment training in units further refines the tactical skills taught in service
schools. However, such training usually derives from friendly-on-friendly force engagements. Given
such training, US forces would have to develop innovative ways to fight an actual enemy during the
initial stages of a war. However, under current operational concepts, a period of adaptation is no longer
acceptable. All units should train for future battles by exercising as much as possible against realistic,
uncooperative, and competitive OPFORs that use threat doctrine, tactics, weapon systems, and
fortifications. Knowing how a potential adversary is likely to perform on the battlefield, US soldiers and
units can take advantage of enemy characteristics and weaknesses from the very start.
ORGANIZATION
Successful OPFOR employment relies on support from unit commanders and staffs. Except for the NTC,
the Army has no authorized manpower allocations for OPFOR maneuver units. Therefore, corps and
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FM 25-4 Appendix C
division training programs must use unit assets to depict OPFOR tactics and operational principles. The
G3 manages the OPFOR program. The G3 staff section uses the available expertise within the G2 section
to help manage the program. This staff relationship fosters intelligence support to the overall unit training
goal of combat readiness. The G3 also monitors unit scenarios. He ensures that they are properly
designed and controlled and that they allow the OPFOR to create a realistic environment.
Units in the division or corps should be trained, on a rotating basis, to perform as an OPFOR element for
training exercises and ARTEP evaluations.
SIZE
Full-scale employment of OPFORs demands extensive resources. Thus, OPFOR participation may be
scaled down to reduce costs. The size of the OPFOR usually depends on the unit's ability to provide
supporting personnel. For reporting purposes, one OPFOR soldier normally represents three enemy
soldiers. One tank normally represents a tank platoon. The ratio between the OPFOR and the notional
enemy it represents is flexible. The chief controller of the exercise must establish the ratio, based on
available OPFOR training time, equipment, and personnel. However, the ratio must always be realistic.
When using MILES with an OPFOR, refer to TC 25-6. Some additional considerations when using
OPFOR units in a training exercise include-●
Free play or controlled play scenarios.
●
The exercise training objectives.
●
The personnel, equipment, and facilities available.
●
The scheme of maneuver.
●
The fire support plan.
●
The type, strength, composition, and training status of the OPFOR unit.
●
The available maneuver space within the area of operations.
●
The weapon systems to be employed.
EQUIPMENT
Modified US vehicles can suggest the appearances and silhouettes of threat combat equipment. Vehicle
and equipment modification kits and soldier uniforms can be obtained from TASCs. Likewise, foreign
material and equipment for training can and should bean important part of the total OPFOR program.
FM 25-4 Appendix C
Foreign equipment in displays and in typical strongpoints can enhance realism in individual, leader, and
collective training. AR 350-2 outlines the training objectives and explains how to obtain and maintain
foreign equipment.
The OPFOR emblem identifies OPFOR equipment and personnel. It is also used on OPFOR training
literature and materials. When the emblem is superimposed on OPFOR-designed equipment, the star is
black and the circle red. The background remains the original color of the equipment. When a colored
version is for uniforms, flags, and staff papers, the star and circle will be gold and the background red.
These emblems can be obtained from TASCs.
TRAINING
Ideally, each division should have a small, permanent cadre to assist in OPFOR training. This cadre
should train the OPFOR maneuver unit to execute the OPFOR portion of exercises quickly and
professionally. It should provide divisionwide classroom instruction pertaining to Soviet and North
Korean military forces. See FM 30-102 and FM 34-71.
The US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) Red Thrust element, located at Fort Hood, Texas, has
prepared training packages to teach tank and motorized rifle companies and battalions throughout the
Army how to portray authentic Soviet and North Korean tactics. Both Soviet and North Korean
formations are relatively easy to learn. To save fuel, OPFOR units can practice them with 1/4-ton trucks
instead of tracked vehicles. Considerations to keep in mind when using OPFORS are-●
●
The general tendency of an OPFOR to revert to US tactics once it begins to maneuver against an
actual US force.
The tendency of OPFOR commanders to use the best of both Soviet and US tactics. Doing so
should be avoided because any-thing less than authentic Soviet and North Korean tactics degrades
the training of both the player unit and the OPFOR element.
PLANNING
The exercise directive provides initial planning guidance such as-●
The size of the OPFOR element required.
●
The player units that will participate.
●
The equipment available.
●
The constraints (physical, financial) or other limitations.
FM 25-4 Appendix C
●
The tactical doctrine or techniques to be emphasized.
●
The procurement of special supply items.
●
The OPFOR training objectives and equipment.
●
The source of OPFOR equipment and personnel.
The OPFOR scenario is developed in the same manner as the player unit scenario to facilitate player
intelligence training. The OPFOR scenario emphasizes the following:
●
Propaganda to enable all personnel to develop positive attitudes toward the exercise. Appropriate
means may include posters and leaflets, agent activities, and loudspeaker broadcasts.
●
Simulated nuclear-chemical operations.
●
Tactical deception designed to strengthen procedures for developing counter-deception activities.
●
Partisan, guerrilla, and counterintelligence agency operations to train all player units in
survivability operations.
The preexercise phase must provide sufficient time to allow for-●
●
●
Training and converting a unit to OPFOR status, to include rehearsing the tactical plan.
Developing plans and orders, to include preparation of communication, air support, and fire
support plans.
Developing plans for OPFOR intelligence activities.
Once the OPFOR has been designated by the directive, the OPFOR commander and staff begin planning
and training-●
To establish operational headquarters.
●
To reorganize units for OPFOR employment.
●
To designate OPFOR identities for personnel and to issue weapons, clothing, markings, and
documents, as needed.
FM 25-4 Appendix C
●
To construct necessary defensive positions according to threat tactics.
●
To prepare the OPFOR OPLAN based on the exercise scenario.
●
To plan and conduct appropriate rehearsals in coordination with controller personnel.
●
To schedule briefings for all OPFOR personnel on the nature of the exercise and their particular
roles in the exercise.
CONTROL
The exercise control plan details provisions for controlling OPFOR play. The type of scenario dictates
the measures used for OPFOR control. Threat doctrinal control measures and graphics control OPFOR
elements during the exercise. Controllers and umpires are designed to OPFOR units-●
To evaluate actions.
●
To ensure realism.
●
To assess loss and damage.
●
To control activities.
Detailed training for umpires and controllers in OPFOR organization, doctrine, and tactics is the key to
realistic control of exercise play. The corps or division OPFOR program manager or other personnel
trained in OPFOR tactics and organization can provide this training.
The OPFOR commander has tactical and administrative control of the OPFOR and its attached units
during the exercise. The OPFOR should rehearse planned tactical operations with the umpires and
controllers. This enables all concerned to become familiar with the terrain and control measures to be
used and allows correction of faulty tactical procedures.
FM 25-4 Appendix D
RDL
APPENDIX D
Exercise Control
PURPOSE
All training exercises require control. Some such as TEWTs need only commanders. Others such as
division-or corps-level CPXs or FTXs may require formal controller organizations responsible for
conducting entire exercises. The control system for any exercise should ensure that it follows its scenario
and attains its objectives. The control system makes sure that each exercise develops smoothly and
provides meaningful, realistic training.
ORGANIZATION
To control exercises, chief controllers must organize the staffs to use the available personnel most
effectively and beneficially. To do so, they prepare controller manning tables.
The composition of the control team depends upon-●
●
●
The type of exercise and the echelon at which it is conducted.
The method, sometimes called the exercise driver, that sustains the exercise and causes it to flow
to a logical conclusion. A sequence of events, a battle simulation, an OPFOR element, or a
combination of these may drive an exercise.
Troop lists from the notional higher and adjacent headquarters.
Controllers should represent all higher, subordinate, adjacent, and supporting units and staffs except
those physically represented. If First Battle drives a CPX, the chief controller can use the organizer's
guide from First Battle and the OPLAN troop list to assign controllers properly. For an FTX with an
OPFOR element and no higher headquarters, OPLAN, or troop list available, the chief controller must
decide not only where to place controllers, but whom they must represent.
Each battle simulation includes a recommended controller manning table along with the instructions. In
many instances, manpower restrictions will dictate modifications to it. However, control organizations
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FM 25-4 Appendix D
that are not familiar with the particular simulation being used should follow the recommended control
organization as closely as possible. A control staff, a headquarters together with umpires, and evaluators
may all be necessary.
Controllers ensure that events take place at the right time and place per scenario and schedule. They
perform as all HQs and units not present as players. Umpires determine outcomes of-●
Engagements.
●
Fires.
●
Obstacles.
●
Support activities.
They report outcomes to players and controllers. Evaluators observe activities to determine whether tasks
are performed to standard. Ideally, one person should not serve as controller, evaluator, and umpire
during the same exercise. However, exercise directors may have to make dual assignments if there is a
shortage of qualified personnel.
EXERCISE CONTROL CENTER
As the focal point for controlling each exercise, the ECC will portray the higher headquarters of the
player unit. It will also be responsible for the administration and logistics necessary to support the
exercise. Subordinate control centers, if used, and umpire teams report to, and coordinate their activities
through, the ECC. ECC personnel must also know control and umpire procedures thoroughly and interact
as required with subordinate control centers. The chief controllers or their designated representatives will
coordinate all activities of the control organization according to the guidance from the exercise director.
All training exercises have ECCs. Higher echelons require formal organizations.
A sample controller manning table for the ECC of a division-level FTX appears in Table 14. The
FM 25-4 Appendix D
suggested task organizations are austere. Actual controller requirements must be based on a mission
analysis of the exercise being conducted and permit sustained operations. Manning and equipment tables
vary depending on the type of exercise. They are based on the mission, the terrain, and the troops
available to support the operation. The ECC must be organized to permit sustained operations.
FM 25-4 Appendix D
Chief Controller
The chief controller commands all exercise controller personnel. He is responsible for informing the
exercise director of player unit locations, plans, and intentions. He advises the exercise director about
taking possible actions through controller channels to influence the tactical situations. ECC staff
FM 25-4 Appendix D
members aid the chief controller in these duties. In the absence of a chief controller, a senior member of
each shift of the operations section acts as ECC officer in charge.
Operations Officer
The operations officers are the primary advisors to the chief controller for exercise planning and
operations. The operations section controls all notional units. It is aggressive in seeking updated
information from the area coordination centers (ACCs) and the player unit's highest headquarters. It is
responsible for-●
Fighting its portions of air-land battles.
●
Disseminating changes to the highest player unit's OPORD.
●
Issuing orders and directives.
●
Planning on behalf of the player unit's higher headquarters.
Intelligence Officer
The intelligence officers are the primary advisors to the chief controller on all OPFOR matters. The ECC
intelligence section controls all OPFOR units. It makes sure they adhere to the OPFOR commander's
orders. It ensures that all necessary intelligence reports are issued and received per SOP requirements.
FSE Officer
The FSE officers represent the chief artillery umpires at the ECC. They-●
Brief the exercise director, chief controller, and staff.
●
Recommend actions to control the exercise.
●
Direct actions based on guidance from the exercise director and chief controller.
The FSE officers receive reports from the fire support sections of the ACCs and maintain current status
reports on all field artillery player elements. The FSE officers ensure that map and status charts for ECC
operations are properly posted. They pass guidance and information to the subordinate fire support
controllers as required, and they maintain artillery unit status logs and staff journals.
NBC Officer
FM 25-4 Appendix D
The ECC NBC officers are responsible for general supervision of the NBC control and umpire system.
The NBC element coordinates chemical release procedures and chemical fire support plans. It maintains
liaison with area control center NBC personnel and brigade NBC umpire personnel. Through reports
submitted by ACC personnel, the NBC element monitors the effects of chemical or nuclear weapon
systems in tactical play. It recommends chemical or nuclear courses of action to the chief controller.
Engineer Officer
The ECC engineer officer is responsible for briefing the exercise director and chief controller concerning
engineer activities. The engineer officer also posts information about current engineer operations on the
map and maintains all necessary logs. He directs engineers to comply with guidance received from the
exercise director and chief controller, and he coordinates with other ECC staff sections, as required.
ADA Officer
Using information from ACCs, the ECC ADA officer maintains status maps showing all units and their
engagement zones. He reports all ADA position changes to the ECC operations section, and he reports all
changes in ADA position and operational status to the ALO. In addition, the ADA officer maintains the
current and planned air defense situation based on situation reports received from the air defense
umpires.
Air Liaison Officer
The ECC air liaison officer assesses the bomb damage from sorties not controlled by the forward air
controller (FAC) and passes the BDA to the ACC, which in turn passes it on to the maneuver unit
umpires for assessment. The chief ECC ALO exercises operational control over airborne umpires, ECC
ALO umpires, and other controllers of Air Force activities, as required.
Aviation Officer
The ECC aviation officer compiles and maintains all Army aviation-related data during the exercise. He
briefs aviation-related activities to the exercise director and chief controller.
Logistics and Civil Affairs Officers
The ECC G4 aids in the coordination of US and local national agencies or citizens, as required,
concerning conflicts or maneuver damage, linguistic support, and other civil affairs activities related to
the control mission. The G5 assists in handling foreign nationals who visit control facilities or activities.
The G5 may collocate with the provost marshal section to assist in resolving incidents involving foreign
nationals.
Provost Marshal
FM 25-4 Appendix D
The provost marshal advises the chief controller on the status of all control personnel during the exercise.
He advises the ECC personnel officers on matters involving policy violations. He maintains liaison with
safety officers and provides the required reports on accidents involving umpire personnel and equipment.
The provost marshal maintains the umpire's serious incident reporting system and is the ECC point of
contact with appropriate public agencies.
Surgeon
The surgeon advises the chief controllers on the health status of all personnel during the exercise. He is
responsible for operations of the casualty evacuation system.
Visitor's Bureau Officer
The ECC visitor's bureau (VB) is responsible for hosting visitors to the ECC, in accordance with
established itineraries. The OIC of the VB establishes and maintains liaison/coordination with the
secretary of the general staff. He keeps the chief controller and staff advised of visitors and their status,
reporting their times of arrival and departure to the VB. He meets and escorts visitors in the ECC area, as
the headquarters commandant directs, and he provides ground transportation for visitors in the ECC area,
as necessary. The OIC also coordinates visits with umpires or ACCs.
AREA COORDINATION CENTER
ACCs, when established, are subordinate to the ECC. ACCs remain in fixed locations. They coordinate
the administrative and logistical support that is not part of exercise play. In addition, ACCs monitor and
record maneuver damage. ACCs are normally established for division and higher echelon exercises or
when the geographic area is too large for an ECC's control radius. ACCs are normally composed of three
elements:
●
A maneuver section.
●
A fire support section.
●
An obstacle section.
For exercises above division or for special contingencies, they might add other sections such as air
liaison or maneuver damage control.
ACCs must know-●
The locations of all player and OPFOR units.
FM 25-4 Appendix D
●
The locations of all emplaced obstacles.
●
The general tactical situation.
ACCs use this information-●
To coordinate the support, such as maintenance, refueling, feeding, and administrative
information, for umpire teams and controller/evaluator personnel.
●
To coordinate emergency support that is not part of exercise play for all participants.
●
To brief visitors to the exercise area.
Wire and/or radio communication connects each ACC with the ECC and with each other. ACCs are
administrative elements and do not control, umpire, or evaluate. ACCs depend upon effective
communication and timely reports from the umpire teams operating within their areas of responsibility.
When the need for ACCs has been established, it is normal to field two or more of them.
The number of communications nets established by each ACC will depend on the type and echelon of the
exercise. Sufficient nets must be established to enable the ACC to function effectively. Some nets that
can be used are the-●
Umpire command net.
●
Administrative/logistical net.
●
Maneuver net.
●
Fire support net.
●
Obstacle net.
●
Fire marker net.
Whenever possible, each ACC spans a geographical area that corresponds to the player unit boundaries.
Thus, each ACC should work with only one player, OPFOR, and umpire/controller organization.
However, if terrain and communication limitations make this ideal impossible, each ACC must be
prepared to act as a relay point for other umpire/control elements. For division-level exercises, ACC
limits usually correspond to brigade boundaries. ACCs then perform both their own functions and those
of brigade umpire teams. All ACC sections assist area umpires and controllers in resolving
administrative and logistical problems.
FM 25-4 Appendix D
Maneuver Section
The maneuver section maintains the locations and status of all player and OPFOR units on the operations
map. It places opposing maneuver umpires and controllers in direct communication with each other to
institute and/or evaluate planned activities. This section consolidates umpire team reports and keeps the
ECC informed of the intentions of subordinate units. It coordinates with adjacent ACCs and reports to
the ECC on the status of flank units and on any boundary problems.
Fire Support Section
The fire support section monitors all fire support activities and communications, serving as the control
element for all support fires within the ACC radius. All fire support umpires are required to process their
reports through this section to the ECC. During LFXs, this section may have to halt play for safety
reasons.
Obstacle Section
The obstacle section provides current information on obstacles to area umpires and controllers. It
monitors conventional obstacles and damage to the MSR and to LOC for its assigned area. It should be
staffed by experienced engineer personnel. Collateral damage from conventional, chemical, or nuclear
strikes that create obstacles must be reported to this section. It assigns sequential target numbers to
obstacles, and it reports their status, target numbers, and locations to the ECC. It reports current obstacle
information to maneuver unit umpires by means of updated obstacle overlays. This section assists in
controlling tactical obstacles and coordinates the placement of obstacle guards within the ACC area. It
may divide its area into subareas to simplify the dissemination of information to tenant units. Breached
obstacles are logged on the obstacle status log and removed from the obstacle map. Repairing unit
umpires report MSR and LOC repairs, and ACC personnel post them in proper logs, remove them from
the correct obstacle overlay, and report them to the ECC G4. The obstacle section also ensures that all
obstacles in the ACC area are properly marked throughout the exercise. The obstacle should be marked
by either the emplacing unit umpire, the requesting unit umpire, or a nearby resident umpire.
A sample ACC organization for a brigade area of operations during a division FTX is shown in Table 15.
The table is provided for guidance. Exact manning will depend on the type of exercise, the echelon at
which it is conducted, and the geographic area.
FM 25-4 Appendix D
UMPIRE TEAMS
The umpire teams evaluate engagements, fires, obstacles, encounters, and support activities, based on
weapons effect tables, professional judgment, and a thorough knowledge of the player unit's disposition
and scheme of maneuver. The teams interface with ACCs. They are especially active at the battalion and
lower levels of command where they may perform simultaneously as controllers and evaluators.
The organizational tables that follow depict umpire teams supporting a division (brigade-slice) FTX.
These tables depict the most commonly required teams. Any unit in an exercise may require a
corresponding umpire team.
FM 25-4 Appendix D
FM 25-4 Appendix D
FM 25-4 Appendix D
FM 25-4 Appendix D
FM 25-4 Appendix D
FM 25-4 Appendix D
FM 25-4 Appendix D
Brigade Team
Brigade Chief Umpire. The brigade chief umpires are in charge of all brigade umpire teams in their
sphere of control. They are the primary link between the ECC, ACC, and the player units. They provide
liaison with player units and ensure that ACCs and the ECC receive frequent updates on unit locations,
plans, and intentions. They coordinate with OPFOR brigade umpires and assist in positioning opposing
battalion umpires. They ensure that timely situation reports (SITREPs) are received and forwarded.
The brigade chief umpires maintain current locations of player units and monitor player unit plans and
intentions. They resolve conflicts among player umpires and report them to the division chief umpires,
when appropriate. The brigade chief umpires also conduct AARs at the ends of exercises.
Assistant Brigade Chief Umpire. The assistant brigade chief umpires represent the chief umpires in their
absence and perform other duties that the chief umpires specify.
Administrative Umpire. The administrative umpires monitor the personnel replacement and casualty
reporting system.
Intelligence Umpire. The intelligence umpires monitor the performance of the brigade S2 section, to
include the brigade intelligence net traffic and actions generated by that traffic.
PW Umpire. The PW umpires control trained PWs, coordinate their insertion in player channels, and
monitor the handling, processing, and evacuation of PWs in player channels. They accompany PWs from
insertion to evacuation to the division PW collection point. They ensure that captured OPFORs are
repatriated and not processed as PWs.
Operations umpire. The operations umpires monitor the brigade S3 section, maintain communications
with the ECC or ACC, and gather and transmit SITREPs from battalion umpires.
FM 25-4 Appendix D
Logistical Umpire and Assistant. The logistical umpires and assistants monitor all supply expenditures
and resupply activities. They also monitor equipment loss reports and weapon systems replacement
operations in the brigade.
Medical Umpire. The medical umpires coordinate the insertion of medical casualties and monitor the
casualty evacuation system of player units.
NBC Umpire. The NBC umpires at brigade level ensure that NBC umpires in maneuver units are
informed of brigade NBC player operations. They assist the maneuver unit NBC umpires in effecting
umpire linkup between firing units and targeted units. They also inform the ECC and ACC of brigade
NBC player operations.
Maintenance Umpire and Assistant. The maintenance umpires and assistants monitor all maintenance
activities in the brigade. They ensure that recovery, repair, and replacement follow established
procedures. They may accompany equipment through the maintenance system to observe player actions.
Maneuver Battalion Team
Battalion Chief Umpire. The battalion chief umpires are in charge of all battalion umpires. They are the
primary communications link between the brigade team and the player units, and they ensure that the
brigade team and the ACC maneuver section are notified prior to entering or departing ACC areas. The
chief umpires make sure that the brigade team and the appropriate ACC maneuver section get updates
whenever the battalion or a subordinate company moves 2 to 3 kilometers or more, changes the direction
of attack, or withdraws. They make sure that timely SITREPs are transmitted to the ACC. They update
the ACC frequently on player plans and intentions. They place subordinate company umpires in direct
contact with their counterparts in the OPFOR. They resolve player-umpire conflicts and report them to
the brigade chief umpire, as necessary. They conduct informal briefings at the ends of the exercises and
provide input for the AARs.
Battalion Assistant Chief Umpire. The battalion assistant umpires take the place of the chief umpires, in
their absence. They perform any other functions that the chief umpires direct.
Operations/Intelligence Umpire. The operations/intelligence umpires are the primary contact between
player unit umpires and the umpire chain of command. As assistants to the battalion assistant
umpires/evaluators, they establish the umpire maneuver operations center. They maintain the operations
map with the current locations of battalion and subordinate units. They maintain communication and
coordination with ACCs and subordinate company/scout platoon/attached unit umpires such as the
engineer platoon umpire. They consolidate and transmit SITREPs from subordinate unit umpires to the
ACC, and they transmit required reports to the appropriate ACCs. They provide target information, when
requested, through the ACC maneuver section to the fire support section, and they receive and relay
information on opposing forces and obstacles from ACCs to concerned company/scout platoon umpires.
FM 25-4 Appendix D
NBC Umpire. The NBC umpires are the primary contact for NBC actions and information. They
coordinate to ensure that ACC and higher and subordinate unit umpires are informed of any NBC
hazards. The NBC umpires monitor and evaluate NBC protective measures and defensive actions. They
ensure that the battalion and subordinate and attached units respond to NBC attacks. They assist and
advise the operations/intelligence umpire on NBC matters, and they assess NBC casualties.
Logistics Umpire. The logistics umpires monitor the battalion logistics activities. They also monitor the
equipment loss reports and weapon system replacement operations.
Company Umpire. Normally, company umpires go with the company commanders. They ensure that
team members are properly positioned to observe player activities. They communicate or meet directly
with the opposing force unit umpires to exchange information, adjust engagements, assess all battle
losses, and determine the outcome of engagements. They report the plans and intentions of player unit
commanders, as well as changes in unit location of more than 2 to 3 kilometers, to the battalion umpire
teams. They also report all obstacles that player units emplace, execute, or breach to the battalion umpire
team. The company umpires emphasize safety and report any violations directly to the unit or through
umpire channels. They conduct informal briefings at the end of the exercise and report maneuver damage
that exceeds the allowable maximum.
Scout Platoon Umpire. The scout platoon umpires monitor the activities of the scout platoon. They
ensure that information regarding opposing force sightings and imminent contact is relayed to the
company umpire. They must clear with the battalion chief umpire/operations officer before directing the
platoon's withdrawal when it is reduced to one-third TOE strength.
Battalion Fire Support Umpire. The battalion fire support umpires assess the effects of hostile weapons.
They monitor the FSO's fire planning and coordination.
Company Fire Support Umpire. The company fire support umpires assess the effects of incoming
hostile fire. They monitor FIST/FO fire planning and coordination, positioning, and calls for fire. They
forward fire planning and other appropriate information through umpire channels to the battalion
umpires. They mark indirect fires within their sectors.
Mortar Platoon Umpire. The mortar platoon umpires monitor platoon planning, coordination, calls for
fire, positioning, and interface with the scheme of maneuver.
Administrative Umpire. The administrative umpires have the same duties as the administrative umpires
for the brigade team.
Redeye/Stinger Umpire. The Redeye/Stinger umpires monitor the tactical employment of Redeyes and
Stingers.
Antitank Platoon Umpire. For infantry battalions only, these umpires function like the company
FM 25-4 Appendix D
maneuver umpires but have specific responsibility for the antitank platoon.
Division Artillery Team
Chief Artillery Umpire. The chief artillery umpire is in charge of all field artillery umpires in the
exercise sector. He is are responsible for the training, supervision, placement, and welfare of umpires.
The chief umpire arbitrates conflicts; serves as contact between players and umpires, as required; and
ensures that all umpires adhere to established procedures in performing their duties.
Division Artillery Umpire. The division artillery umpire team locates near the division artillery TOC.
The division artillery umpires monitor all counterfire missions, serve as umpires for the division artillery,
and evaluate the operations of the division artillery units.
FA Battalion Team. The FA battalion team collocates with the player FDC operations center. The team
monitors all counterfire and indirect fire missions, as required.
Lance Battalion Team. The Lance battalion team collocates with the player unit and monitors all
missions.
Calvary Squadron Team
The squadron umpire team has the same responsibilities as the maneuver battalion team. The howitzer
battery team has the same responsibilities as the field artillery team. Intelligence and
administrative/logistics umpires may be added as appropriate.
Air Defense Battalion Team
Battalion Umpire. The battalion umpires activities, keep abreast of unit intentions, maintain the status
and location of all units assess battle losses and casualties, and report and report to the ACC, as
appropriate. The battalion umpires are the relay points for information provided the player unit by the
ACC, especially obstacle information. They monitor both tactical play and movement of the battalion
headquarters and headquarters battery. They assess battle loss and engagements, as required.
Battery Umpire. The battery umpires receive and act upon messages from the battalion and platoon
umpires. They monitor unit current status to the battalion, umpires, as required. The battery umpires also
submit obstacle reports to battalion umpires.
Platoon Umpire. The platoon umpires monitor player movement, tactics and engagements; and they
report to the battery umpires, as required. They assess battle losses and casualties and report obstacles to
battery umpires. The platoon umpires provide aviation umpires with air defense locations and operational
status, as required.
FM 25-4 Appendix D
Division Engineer Battalion Umpire Team
Division Engineer Umpire. The division engineer umpires monitor operations of the division engineer
battalion headquarters and the division engineer section. They monitor all engineer obstacle information
and ensure that reports on engineer obstacles are transmitted to the ACC.
Engineer Company Umpire. The engineer company umpires validate operations of the engineer
company to include obstacle emplacement, execution, breaching, and bridging operations. They monitor
Class V obstacle materiel management. They ensure that obstacles are marked and reported and that
obstacle guards are properly placed.
Engineer Bridge Company Umpire. The engineer bridge company umpires validate the operations of an
engineer company equipped with mobile assault bridge (MAB), ribbon, and panel bridging. They ensure
that river-crossing operations are conducted in a realistic manner and verify bridge construction estimates
during bridging operations with the ACC.
Aviation Control Team
Attack Helicopter Company Controller. The attack helicopter company controllers are in charge of the
company umpire teams. They keep the ACC informed of company and forward arming and refueling
point (FARP) locations, receive engagement reports from platoon umpires, and monitor current company
strength. They ensure that assessed aircraft are removed from operation for the prescribed time period,
and they monitor selected ammunition expenditures and resupply, to include FARP interdiction. The
company controllers mark and assess incoming fire missions upon receipt of reports or retransmit reports
to subordinate umpires in the vicinity of the impact grid for their assessment.
Platoon Umpire. The platoon umpires fly with and observe the deployment of the player-accompanied
platoon. They assess losses from ground fire and ADA weapons, contact ground unit umpires through the
ACC, provide a subjective loss evaluation of both air and ground elements, and submit engagement
reports to the company umpire.
Medical Control and Casualty Teams
Medical control and casualty teams record and tag simulated casualties that medical umpires have
designated for evacuation through medical channels. They will collocate with the specific evacuation
companies that provide a simulated combat support hospital in the division support area.
FM 25-4 Appendix E
RDL
APPENDIX E
Controllers, Umpires, and Evaluators
BASIC FUNCTIONS
Through the controllers, exercise directors monitor the play to ensure that the training objectives are
accomplished. Controllers keep the play within the limits prescribed by the scenario. By arbitrating
engagements and assessing losses, umpires help player units get the maximum training benefits.
Evaluating is separate and distinct from both controlling and umpiring. Evaluators determine proficiency,
based on the training objectives in soldiers manuals and ARTEPs, by observing player activities.
PREPARATION
At all echelons of command the controllers, umpires, and evaluators who monitor exercise play must be
knowledgeable in the performance of assigned duties. They must know the schedule of events that
support the training objectives. Controllers, umpires, and evaluators receive formal training after the LOI
is published and prior to STARTEX. The chief umpire, chief controller, chief evaluator, and their
respective staffs conduct training sessions together or separately.
Generally, preparation begins with team leaders' conferences. The chief controllers, umpires, and
evaluators conduct conferences with their player counterparts at each echelon to acquaint them with the
exercise scenario and background information; the missions, concepts, policies, and procedures for
controllers, umpires, and evaluators; the organization, duties, and responsibilities for controllers,
umpires, and evaluators; and the schedules for controllers and umpires. Preparation includes further
schooling for controllers, umpires, and evaluators. Conducted either concurrently or separately, these
schools familiarize personnel with-●
Duties, responsibilities, and procedures.
●
The exercise scenario and background information.
●
Administrative and logistics procedures.
●
The exercise area, rules, and safety requirements.
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FM 25-4 Appendix E
●
Medical procedures.
●
Environmental protection.
●
Procedures during player tactical movement.
●
Procedures for umpiring obstacle encounters.
●
Direct and indirect fire assessment.
●
Procedures for controlling ADA, tactical air, and Army aviation.
●
NBC operations.
●
Preparation of reports.
●
Procedures for multiechelon AARs.
Preparation also includes reconnaissance, coordination, and communications. Prior to STARTEX,
controller, umpire, and evaluator teams and supporting personnel should reconnoiter the exercise area
and test the communications equipment.
Evaluators should be selected with care and must be thoroughly knowledgeable in the specific tasks to be
evaluated. The senior evaluator will instruct evaluator personnel on evaluation objectives and be
responsible for their training. The senior evaluator will also develop the evaluator manning table in
conjunction with the chief controller, taking care to ensure that evaluators are properly selected and
assigned to positions they are qualified to evaluate. Evaluators must also be knowledgeable concerning-●
Player units' TOE and TDAs.
●
The personnel status of the player units.
●
The training of the player units to date.
●
The equipment status of the player units.
●
Player units' SOPs.
Evaluators are responsible for positioning themselves where they can observe as many activities as
possible. However, because it is physically impossible to observe all activities during an exercise, they
FM 25-4 Appendix E
must make sound judgments to determine which ones are more important. This does not relieve the
evaluator of the responsibility to evaluate the other activities. To do that, evaluators must rely on the
reports received from other means, including-●
Radio traffic.
●
Pointed questions of other evaluators.
●
Message traffic.
●
Directed discussions with commanders and staff.
Evaluators may also assist unit commanders who desire help in meeting training objectives. Acting as
trainers during the exercise, they can show soldiers and leaders better ways to perform tasks or correct
poor performance, if required.
PARTICULAR FUNCTIONS
Control personnel must be able to monitor and assess various kinds of exercise play: direct fire, indirect
fire, ADA, Army aviation, tactical air support, and engineer.
DIRECT FIRE PLAY
If the exercises use MILES, umpires must be familiar with assessment procedures from TC 25-6. If
simulation is used, umpires will assess casualties using the tables in Appendix F for evaluating small
arms engagements.
INDIRECT FIRE PLAY
Control
Indirect fire control procedures require effective radio communications among opposing unit umpires
and fire direction centers. Fire support controllers must be aggressive in establishing and maintaining
communications. They must be accurate and prompt in informing each other of changes in locations,
maneuver control measures, fire support coordination measures, and frontline traces.
Dedicated fire support umpires are assigned to each echelon from maneuver company headquarters to
brigade head-quarters, including FA units. The composition of umpire teams for FA units depends upon
unit missions and exercise objectives. Terrain and local situations may dictate modifications to any
manning table. Only the planners at local levels can determine modifications. Appendix D of this manual
provides guidance and sample manning tables for control organizations. Umpires accompanying other
FM 25-4 Appendix E
forces must mark and assess indirect fires on their units' installations, as required.
Because no OPFOR live fire occurs during field exercises, targets that would normally be located by
counterfire radar, sound and flash ranging, and crater analysis cannot be developed. The targeting
assistance provided by CEWI units is also difficult to portray in exercises. Controllers or umpires can
provide necessary information for exercising target intelligence systems to provide battle staff,
survivability, and systems training. For example, the umpire of the targeted unit can receive the guntarget (GT) direction in each indirect fire mission report from the FDC umpire. If the targeted unit
players can, in a practical manner, demonstrate to the controller that they know how to perform crater
analysis correctly and have the equipment to do it, the controller will provide the hostile GT direction to
the player unit. The player unit must then get this information through correct channels to the counterfire
center at player division artillery. The fire support section of each ACC where indirect fire systems are
positioned will notify the ECC fire support section of the identity and grid locations of OPFOR targets
according to the schedule in Table 24.
Another way to create target intelligence is to have the ECC for the support section consolidate opposing
force locations and, according to percentages specified in Table 34, relay a portion of them via telephone
to division G2/G3 controllers. The G2/G3 controllers place the locations in the player division all-source
intelligence center (ASIC). The ECC fire support element relays the remaining firing unit locations to
each OPFOR DIVARTY controller by the fastest and most secure means available. In order to simulate
radar acquisitions, the DIVARTY controller sends relay locations to the FA battalion umpire, who will
provide them to the player radar section located in the area. The player division artillery is responsible
for providing the communications link from the FA battalion umpire to the radar section. To simulate
radar detection error, the ECC alters FA unit locations by no more than a 300-meter radial error.
As constraints permit, umpires can use pyrotechnics, munitions, or other aids to add realism. Upon
notification of the mission, the umpire with the targeted unit can use an artillery simulator. A smoke
grenade can simulate chemical or smoke munitions.
FM 25-4 Appendix E
Assessment
For exercises such as CPXs that have no actual OPFOR, umpires assess field artillery and mortar effects,
damage, and casualties using the appropriate tables from Appendix F. For exercises such as FTXs that
use an actual OPFOR, umpires with player and OPFOR units should determine the effects of fires and
assess damage and losses using the appropriate tables from Appendix F. For example, when an observer
locates a target and calls for fire, the unit umpire gets the fire request information. The FDC umpire
informs the company umpire of the impact location, shell, fuze, number of volleys, and observer target
direction, rounded to the nearest 10 mils. This information passes from the friendly to the OPFOR
umpire, who assesses casualties and damage based on damage tables, accuracy of fire, and subjective
judgment, as appropriate. The OPFOR controller provides damage and casualty assessment to, the
friendly controller, who then provides it to the FO. The FO uses the assessment in submitting a
surveillance report if, in the controller's judgment, the terrain and weather allow observation. If the
OPFOR unit correctly conducts a crater analysis, the OPFOR controller will provide the unit with a back
azimuth upon which to base a shell report. If the exercise is so large that it is difficult to identify
opponents, the umpire should get the call sign for the opposing umpires from the ACC.
Using Table 33, umpires assess personnel losses and equipment damage caused by artillery and mortar
fires. Simulated battle losses of cargo carrying vehicles include the loss of the cargo. The controller
reduces or stops maneuver and/or delivery of fires, as circumstances require, until the player unit
simulates resupply of destroyed cargo. In those firing units where weapon systems are assessed, the
umpire adjusts the total rounds fired per mission based on the number of volleys fired, multiplied by the
total number of operational tubes remaining.
In order to place realistic restrictions on the number of fire missions that an indirect fire unit can deliver,
umpires assigned to mortar and field artillery units must maintain strict and proper ammunition
accountability, including simulated losses to counterfire as described above. Maximum daily
expenditures by type of firing unit and ammunition are shown in Table 35. Unless OPFORs are
designated and configured as threat units, the maximum authorized expenditures listed for US forces will
apply to both. When a unit has fired its maximum daily expenditure or lost it through damage
assessment, the umpire denies the unit permission to tire additional missions until it is resupplied. Table
35 approximates the ammunition available daily, based on the unit's on-board basic load plus 2 1/2 turnarounds of its organic resupply vehicles.
AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY PLAY
Control
Control of ADA play occurs at respective fire units and at ADA tactical headquarters. The chief ADA
controller manages play through control channels. Operating elements of the ADA control organization
maintain continuous communications and keep records of all key events and observations.
FM 25-4 Appendix E
Each OPFOR maneuver battalion is credited with the ADA array in Table 43. It is not necessary to
simulate that array since all air defense play is based on tables. Threat capabilities to our rear areas are
also simulated regardless of the actual mix of US or allied weapons on the ground.
Aircraft are so fast and air defense tracking systems so sophisticated that a fully automated system is
necessary for system-to-system engagements. In order to generate useful air defense play without ADP,
control procedures define the flight route, the engagement technique of the aircraft, and the air defense
array that they fly over. These become the basis for assessments against the aircraft.
Lacking the capability for system-to-system engagements, ADA training uses simulations. Such
simulations include actual tracking (radar and manual), simulated firing, and ammunition resupply.
Reports go through command channels to battalion level where the commanders informed of the number
of aircraft engaged, the number estimated to be hit, and the volume of ammunition expended. Although
such reports are not used for assessments against aircraft, they exercise air defense systems and reporting
channels. An ADA umpire team is assigned to each ADA battalion operations center. The teams monitor
and report ADA firing unit locations and are notified of suppression fires delivered against the unit.
Assessment
When determining losses from ground fire, umpires consider all types of weapons that engage the target,
including surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), short-range air defense (SHORAD) artillery, and small arms.
To assess losses from simulated engagements by operational ADA units, umpires deter-mine the validity
of the engagement. For HAWK units, this occurs in the battery control center (BCC); for Nike Hercules
units, it occurs in the director station trailer (DST); for SHORAD units and small arms/automatic
weapons, it occurs at the individual fire unit. Additional details on engagement procedures are found in
FM 44-4.
Umpires determine the volume of fire during the engagement. SAM units record the number of simulated
missile launches by a single fire unit. Vulcan and 40-millimeter units record the length of time the
weapons simulate fire.
ADA and USAF controllers operate in the ECC or the TOC. They maintain a situation map indicating
current locations and status of air defense assets. They receive aircraft flight data from the air support
operations center (ASOC) and determine aircraft attrition.
ADA controllers plot the anticipated aircraft flight route over the opposing ADA array. Based on the
number and type of opposing ADA units, they use Tables 37, 38, and 39 to determine attrition. They
enter the figures on the line corresponding to the opposing ADA array and the column corresponding to
the number of aircraft flown. The intersection of that row and column indicates the number of aircraft
destroyed.
FM 25-4 Appendix E
USAF controllers receive the ADA losses and determine additional losses caused by opposing
interceptors. They then assess these losses based upon guidance from the USAF controller at the ECC.
The overall attrition agreed upon by the ADA and USAF controllers will be given to the ASOC.
ADA unit umpires operate at each ADA battalion and battery and at HAWK platoons. ADA unit umpires
determine the success of individual aircraft engagements based on the system kill probabilities shown in
Table 30 and the random number table at Table 45. Chaparral/Vulcan (C/V), 40-millimeter, and Rapier
engagements will be assessed at the battery operations center when the report is received from the
platoon. HAWK engagements will be assessed at battery level. ADA unit umpires pass air defense
locations and HAWK operational status reports to the ACC. Company or battery umpires assess Redeye
engagements using Table 41. They assess small arms engagements using Table 42.
When ADA units are targeted by FA units, the HAWK battalion controller or the C/V or Rapier battery
controller will be contacted by the ACC. The ACC fire support section relays FA mission reports from
the suppressing FA unit umpires. HAWK battalion umpires or C/V or Rapier battery umpires determine
if any player elements were at the specified grids when the missions were fired. If no element was at the
grid, no further action is required. For successful suppression missions, ADA umpires refer to Table 32
to determine personnel and vehicle casualties. They pass casualty figures to their player counterparts by
face-to-face contact.
When ADA units are targeted by air assets, aerial umpires contact HAWK battalion umpires over the
player battalion operations net and the C/V or Rapier battery umpires over the battalion controller net.
The aerial umpires determine vehicle and personnel casualties. They pass the casualty figures to ADA
umpires using the procedures outlined below. The ADA umpires pass casualty figures to their player
counterparts face-to-face.
To use a random number table (see Table 44), controllers enter it at any starting point--for example, row
12, column 2. The number encountered is 15. They take additional random numbers in order from this
starting point in any direction. When they reach the end of a row or column without having the required
amount of random numbers, they proceed to the next row or column until they get the desired quantity of
random numbers. The number 00 in the table means 100, not zero. Thus, if a system or event has 0.64
probability of success, it will succeed 64 times out of 100. When umpires use the random number table to
assess the system, the event occurs for any number between 01 and 64 and fails for any number between
65 and 00.
To assess an engagement with a flight of four high-performance threat aircraft attacking at 2,000 feet and
using electronic counter-measures (ECM), an umpire considers the flight route. En route to the target, the
aircraft fly through three overlapping HAWK defenses and a Vulcan platoon that surrounds the target.
The umpire enters the aircraft attrition table for high-performance aircraft with ECM (Table 37) for an
array of three HAWK platoons and one Vulcan platoon. In a flight of four aircraft, three are destroyed.
The one surviving aircraft flies through two HAWK defenses exiting the target. The umpire reenters the
table for an array of two HAWK platoons. For a flight of one aircraft, none was destroyed. The umpire
FM 25-4 Appendix E
reports that three aircraft were destroyed before reaching the target.
To assess an engagement of a Chaparral platoon firing three missiles at a flight of high-performance
aircraft, an umpire uses the appropriate table. Table 40 shows the kill probability of Chaparral against
high-performance aircraft as 0.16. The umpire enters the random number table (Table 44) at row 15,
column 16, and reads down. The first three numbers encountered are 54, 08, and 64. The umpire
determines that one missile was successful (08 versus 16) and reports that fact to the player battery TOC.
For additional details on air defense operations, exercise planners and umpires should consult FM 44-1,
FM 44-3, FM 44-23, FM 44-90, and FM 44-95.
ARMY AVIATION PLAY
Control
Army aviation control computes losses for both aviation and OPFOR units during engagements and
insertions. Engagements are confrontations between an attack helicopter (AH) section, platoon, or
company and an OPFOR unit for a 5-minute period. Insertions are troops or equipment delivered into
landing zones by assault or combat support aviation companies. Engagement outcomes are based on
attack positions, exposure times, and OPFOR air defense assets.
Assessment
For engagements between AH-1 attack helicopters with TOWs against an OPFOR ADA array, an umpire
is assigned to each AH platoon. A rated pilot rides in the front seat of the OH-58 or in the back seat of
the player platoon OH-58 which accompanies the AH platoon. The pilot must have access to FM
communications.
FM 25-4 Appendix E
To assess engagements with AHs, OPFOR umpires monitor the number of engagements their ADA units
accumulate against helicopter elements, keeping cumulative figures throughout the exercise. OPFOR
company umpires coordinate with the OPFOR battalion umpire to determine what ADA assets, in
addition to organic or attached systems, are available to the company. With these cumulative figures and
knowledge of available ADA assets, OPFOR umpires consult the helicopter-ADA assessment card
(Table 26). They determine the line number by indexing available ADA assets on the left of the card.
They determine column number by adding 1 to the total number of prior engagements that have
accumulated against the unit. They then transmit the line and column number to the airborne umpire.
Helicopter losses are the total losses for an engagement (5-minute period). OPFOR controllers use line 8
for any ADA assets when OPFOR tactics and organizations are used. Controllers use this card when the
OPFOR ground unit is attacked by helicopters or when an OPFOR ground unit occupies the landing zone
used for an insertion. OPFOR ground unit controllers keep track of the cumulative number of insertions
and engagements that have been conducted against their units. For example, four engagements (20
minutes total time) have been conducted against an OPFOR ground unit since the start of the exercise.
When the helicopter controller again makes contact with the OPFOR controller, the OPFOR controller
sends the helicopter controller line 8, column 5, because this engagement is the fifth conducted against
the unit. The helicopter controller consults the ADA-helicopter assessment card and follows line 8 across
to column 5 and finds the number 1 under column 5. This means that one helicopter is lost during the
first 5 minutes. If the engagement lasts longer than 5 minutes, the helicopter controller uses line 8,
column 6. The number 1 under column 6 means that another helicopter is assessed during the second 5minute period. The helicopter controller keeps going across the line for each additional 5-minute period.
After reaching column 10, he returns to column 1.
When air assault, air cavalry, or attack helicopter missions overfly OPFOR territory, the inbound and
FM 25-4 Appendix E
outbound flights are subject to casualty assessments. Helicopter unit umpires should establish
communications with OPFOR umpires along the intended flight routes. Doing so determines losses
inflicted on the way in and out of the mission objective areas before the missions are actually flown.
Once the assessment process has been coordinated and computed by aviation and OPFOR umpires,
helicopter units are allowed to perform the mission. Helicopter unit umpires will direct their units to
divert the losses back to their home bases, to a FARP site, or in the case of an air assault, to the
predesignated casualty holding area.
Aviation umpires should consider air-to-air engagements both in planning and controlling field exercises.
Because Army aviation performs a wide range of missions with a wide variety of helicopters,
standardized assessments are very difficult. Range, weapons, and targets control air-to-air and
antihelicopter engagements. For example, rapid fire Gatling weapons are extremely effective at ranges
less than 1,000 meters, but their effectiveness decreases significantly as the range increases. At 1,000
meters or less, machine guns or Gatling guns are effective. At 1,000 to 1,800 meters, folding fin aerial
rockets or air-to-air missiles are effective. At distances greater than 1,000 meters, antitank guided
missiles (ATGMs) or air-to-air missiles are effective.
In addition to the weapon systems and how they relate to range, planners must consider other factors.
Gatling guns have a high volume of fire and create devastating effects on point targets at ranges under
1,000 meters. They require little time to lay on targets but must hit targets directly to be effective.
Rockets require relatively little time to lay on targets. However, firing aircraft must aim at the targets,
which requires maneuvering time. The greatest advantage of rockets is their effectiveness without
making a direct hit. Although ATGMs are long-range and accurate weapons, they require targets that are
stationary or moving very slowly. They are relatively ineffective against air-to-air targets including other
helicopters. Air-to-air missiles are effective from 500 meters to their individual maximum effective
ranges. Aircraft must be maneuvered to aim the weapon.
Target presentation is the third factor to be considered in an anti-helicopter confrontation. Does the target
helicopter present its flank or front? Is it hovering, flying nap-of-the-earth (NOE), masked, flying
contour, or attacking? Optimum hit and kill probability may occur when the target helicopter presents its
flank and is engaged as a point target at a range of less than 1,000 meters. As the presentation becomes
frontal and the range increases, the hit/kill probability decreases proportionally. Given all the possible
factors, the professional judgment of qualified control personnel must still remain primary in assessing
results.
TACTICAL AIR SUPPORT PLAY
Control
For tactical air support during exercises, the ECC should be manned by sufficient Air Force TACP
personnel and equipment to maintain 24-hour duty and the Air Force control net. Normally, Air Force
controller functions are performed by the ALO attached to the Army HQ that is given the mission to
FM 25-4 Appendix E
establish control for the exercise. Each active ACC should be manned by sufficient TACP personnel to
maintain and operate the Air Force control net as directed by the chief controller, and to receive/record
BDA reports for airstrikes conducted within the ACC's area of responsibility. On joint training exercises,
the appropriate Air Force headquarters will designate a chief controller for the exercise.
The Army controller organization should man the ASOC with sufficient ADA controller personnel and
equipment to maintain 24-hour duty and communications with the ECC. If the ASOC is not deployed to
the exercise area, ADA controllers must establish communications to the ASOC or to the Air Force
organization fulfilling the ASOC mission for the exercise.
Assessment
For all Air Force tactical air support sorties entering the exercise area airspace (close air support,
battlefield air interdiction, reconnaissance), the ADA controller computes attrition from ground-based
ADA. The ASOC advises the ADA controller of missions, times over targets (TOTs), target coordinates
or initial contact points based on NATO procedures, and numbers of aircraft involved. Using the attrition
reports, the ASOC advises the ADA controller of the number of sorties remaining.
Close Air Support. Forward air controllers are also players. They control specific missions and supply
BDA for them using mutually agreed upon tables provided for the exercise. They also introduce BDAs
into controller channels and transmit them via controller communications to targeted unit umpires.
The ASOC notifies FACs of the number of aircraft for which BDA will be made. For example, the
message Four aircraft; score three shows that ADA killed one aircraft. BDA reports only three aircraft
are scored. All other ASOC transmissions to and from the FACs are standardized.
After each mission, the FACs make the BDAs using mutually agreed upon tables and deliver the
standard reports. In addition, the FACs contact the ACC responsible for the area of the target coordinates
and pass on messages indicating the mission number, TOT, target coordinates, BDA, and number of
aircraft in the area. The ACCs log these mission reports.
Battlefield Air Interdiction. The ASOC notifies the Air Force controller in the ECC of all ground attack
missions that will not be observed or for which a BDA by a FAC will not be made. The ASOC will
provide mission number, actual TOT, target coordinates, type of attack (visual, radar, air support radar
team), target description, type/number of aircraft to score, and ordnance. The Air Force controller will
determine what unit may have been at the coordinates at the time of the strike and initiate assessment
procedures.
Reconnaissance. The ADA controller at the ASOC will notify the ECC if a reconnaissance mission was
unsuccessful due to OPFOR action. The G2/S2 air controller will prevent the appropriate reconnaissance
mission reports from being used by player units.
FM 25-4 Appendix E
For tactical air reconnaissance missions, the ASOC notifies the supported unit TACP of how many
aircraft were lost before they reconnoitered the approved targets. The TACP then notifies the designated
or sup-ported unit umpire, as well as the appropriate staff member of the supported unit. Unit umpires
should provide an appropriate intelligence readout given the flight path of the reconnaissance flight.
Air Transport. For tactical air transport missions, the ASOC notifies the supported unit TACP of how
many air-craft were lost before they got to the drop or landing zones. The TACP then notifies the
designated supported unit controller, as well as the appropriate staff member of the supported unit.
ENGINEER PLAY
Control
The planning sequence for engineer play in training exercises and for actual combat are identical.
Exercise objectives determine the scope of engineer operations. The OPLAN published by the higher
headquarters con-ducting the exercise provides subordinate commanders with EEI necessary to carry out
the mission.
The engineer staff officer assigned to the exercise planning staff writes the engineer annex to the
OPLAN. During planning, major engineer elements participating in the exercise work with the engineer
planner to ensure that operations are adequate.
Umpires validate all simulated obstacles with obstacle certificates. Upon partial or full completion of a
simulated obstacle, the umpire assigned to the emplacing unit fills in and signs the certificate and gives it
to the obstacle guard. Obstacles should be so constructed that encountering units have difficulty in
breaching or bypassing them. Attrition will be enhanced if an obstacle is covered by fire or if it coincides
with a direct fire kill zone. The emplacing engineer unit umpire or, in the case of reserve targets, the
umpire with the maneuver company guarding the obstacle reports completed obstacles to the ACC.
Demolition obstacles are not effective until execution, including detonation, is reported to the ACC.
Umpires of units capable of delivering scatterable mines are informed of the mine-field mission by the
delivering unit. After the emplacement, the maneuver unit umpire submits a report to the ACC,
completes the obstacle certificate, and marks the obstacle.
Atomic demolition munitions are used only as obstacles and should be controlled as such. Once an ADM
squad has deployed, the team umpire should ensure the proper delay for transporting the munitions from
the special ammunition supply point (SASP) to the target site. The team umpire should also ensure that
the squad is proficient in ADM procedures before validating the emplacement and detonation. After the
simulated detonation, the team controller reports the resulting obstacle to the ACC and marks the
obstacle with appropriate marking material. Appendix F contains information concerning ADM target
analysis. See Figures 34 and 35 for an obstacle certificate. Residual radiation casualties from ADM
obstacles are not normally assessed during combined arms exercises.
FM 25-4 Appendix E
FM 25-4 Appendix E
Assessment
Upon entering an exercise area, the maneuver battalion umpire receives obstacle information from the
ACC. The maneuver unit empire is responsible for ensuring that the unit takes appropriate action when
encountering an obstacle. Units encountering obstacles should actually perform all steps of the breach
possible. For example, when a unit encounters a minefield, the leader must choose the breaching method.
If mine detectors are used, operators with detectors should actually attempt to locate and neutralize the
mines. The nature of an obstacle determines the time required to reduce or breach it. This time obtained
from the breaching requirements specified on the obstacle certificate. Appendix F provides the time
required for breaching and the casualty assessment criteria for simulated minfields.
When an obstacle is covered by fire, the encountering unit must suppress or eliminate the source of fire
and proceed with the breaching requirements specified in the obstacle certificate. Casualties from direct
or indirect fire will be determined by casualty assessment instructions.
The exercise control organization provides obstacle guards who have the same authority as other exercise
controllers. Obstacle guards enforce and ensure active compliance by all participating troops
encountering the obstacle.
FM 25-4 Appendix F
RDL
APPENDIX F
Assessment and Computation Tables
PRINCIPLES
The tables that follow were developed by the Command and General Staff College for assessing such
exercise effects as personnel losses and equipment damage and for computing emplacement or
deployment times. When battle simulations support an exercise, the tables from the simulations should be
used. Other field manuals and training circulars, such as FM 101-10-1, contain data and tables that
should be used, as appropriate, in the assessment procedures. Locally produced tables and procedures
should be used judiciously. Within any exercise, all participating elements must use the same tables.
To determine armored vehicle kill probability (AVKP), umpires follow the procedure below.
STEP 1
First, opposing umpires determine task organization based only on the part of the unit that is in contact.
For instance, one armored platoon, two mechanized infantry platoons, and two TOW sections may be
opposing each other. Each of these elements has a kill potential in the following ranges: 1,000 meters,
1,000-2,000 meters, and 2,000 meters and beyond. At 500 meters or less, each can also inflict casualties.
Umpires total the kill potential of all elements for each range, using Table 27.
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FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
STEP 2
Opposing umpires then exchange their accompanied unit AVKP. The totals above, for instance, would be
exchanged as follows:
US to OPFOR
8/4/2/35
OPFOR to US
12/6/3/58
STEP 3
The umpires then adjust the AVKP they received for posture, visibility conditions, and the amount of
indirect fire being used to suppress the opposing forces. They adjust the US to OPFOR 8/4/2/35 AVKP
for these factors by referring to the OPFOR to US 12/6/3/68 direct fire adjustment table (27).
Example 1
US forces are in defensive/prepared positions (2 to 8 hours). Heavy rain reduces visibility. The US is
firing light suppression on OPFORs located 1,500 meters from US positions. The AVKP US received
from OPFOR is 12/6/3/58. By entering the adjustment table at 6 (1,500 meters) and reading across, the
umpire determines that the posture adjustment is 3. The umpire then enters the visibility table at 3 and
adjusts for rain. The AVKP is reduced to 2. Finally, the umpire enters the suppression table at 2 and,
reading across to light suppression, determines an AVKP of 2. Thus, at a range of 1,500 meters, the
OPFOR has the potential to kill 2 US armored vehicles in each five minutes of contact.
Example 2
The OPFOR is attacking 900 meters from US defensive positions. There is no night illumination, and
heavy suppression is being fired on US positions. The AVKP that OPFOR received from US is 8/4/2/35.
Entering the table at 8 and reading across, the umpire would determine that there is no target posture
adjustment. The OPFOR is moving or in open positions; the night illumination adjustment is 4; the heavy
suppression adjustment is 2. Thus, at a range of 900 meters, the US has the potential to kill 2 OPFOR
armored vehicles in each five minutes of contact.
FM 25-4 Appendix F
Example 3
The US is attacking and has breached a minefield 900 meters from the OPFOR. The US umpire takes the
AVKP previously received from the OPFOR controller--8/4/2/35--and makes a special AVKP
adjustment. Using the AVKP for 900 meters, which is 8, the umpire enters the direct fire adjustment
table (27) in the Moving or Open column and reads directly across to the Canalized Crossing Obstacle
column where the AVKP increases to 10. This number reflects the increased vulnerability for crossing an
obstacle through a narrow breach. Other adjustments are made for visibility and suppression. The
adjusted AVKP is assessed for each 55-minute period the US is moving through the breached obstacle.
STEP 4
From the above calculations, the umpires determine that the OPFOR now has the capability to inflict 2
armored vehicle losses per 5 minutes of engagement on the US forces and that the US can inflict 2
armored vehicle losses per 5 minutes of engagement on the OPFOR.
When more than one unit opposes a single unit, umpires use the cumulative AVKP in assessing losses.
For example, an umpire may receive AVKPs from two opposing controllers:
The umpire then adjusts the cumulative AVKP for target posture, illumination, and suppression. When a
company is attacked by two opposing companies, the AVKP is divided and forwarded to each opposing
controller. For example, a company in such a posture has an AVKP of 10/6/4/18. The umpire forwards
an AVKP of 5/3/2/9 to each opposing controller.
DIRECT FIRE TABLES
To determine the effects of direct fires, umpires use the tables below, as appropriate.
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
INDIRECT FIRE TABLES
To determine the effects of indirect fires, umpires apply the tables below, as appropriate.
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY TABLES
To determine the effects of ADA, umpires apply the tables below, as appropriate.
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
ENGINEER TABLES
To determine the effects of obstacle emplacement and breaching operations, umpires apply the table
below, as appropriate.
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
NBC ASSESSMENT TABLES
To determine the effects of NBC warfare, umpires apply the tables below, as appropriate.
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix F
FM 25-4 Appendix G
RDL
APPENDIX G
Postexercise Activities
AFTER-ACTION REVIEWS
Whether externally or internally evaluated, all training exercises have AARs. Normally, the formality
and scope of the AARs increase as the level and scope of the training expand. For example, because
events occur so frequently and over such distances in a company-level field exercise, no single person
can observe all the events, especially someone preoccupied with the overall unit mission. AARs pull
together the separate events. They integrate the experiences and observations of everyone involved in an
atmosphere that promotes effective learning. To be most effective, AARs should be conducted during the
exercise at logical break points, as well as at the conclusion.
AARs are not critiques in the traditional sense. They do not merely judge success or failure. Instead, they
are professional discussions of training events. Trainers or controllers should not lecture participants on
what went wrong. Rather they guide discussions to ensure that important lessons are openly discussed,
preferably by the participants themselves. Soldiers who identify what went right and wrong learn much
more than when lessons are dictated. For effective AARs-●
●
All controllers, umpires, and evaluators must be trained in AAR techniques and prepared to
conduct AARs with subgroups. The chief controller should debrief all controllers and assistants
prior to the AARs.
Commanders and controllers should not critique or lecture. They guide the discussions by asking
leading questions. They enter the discussion only to sustain the AAR, to get the discussion back
on the right track, or to bring out new points.
●
Discussions do not embarrass leaders or soldiers but emphasize the positive.
●
Participants describe what happened in their own terms.
●
The discussions are outlined, prepared, and rehearsed.
●
Thought-provoking questions are prepared to stimulate discussion.
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FM 25-4 Appendix G
●
Analyses relate tactical events to subsequent results and training objectives.
●
Alternate courses of action are discussed.
●
Discussions avoid minor events that do not directly relate to the major training objectives.
●
●
●
●
Participants do not excuse inappropriate actions. Instead, they examine why actions were taken
and what alternatives were available.
Terrain models and training aids illustrate events. Participants relate their comments to the model
and move the markers for units, vehicles, and personnel to show the events. TV tape playbacks of
key events generate interest and discussions.
Every element that participated in the exercise is present at the AAR.
Training deficiencies surfaced during the AAR are incorporated into the unit training schedule
within two to six weeks of the exercise.
AARs encourage discovery learning. Soldiers learn best when they learn from each other and from their
leaders. Controllers, umpires, and evaluators are there to guide that learning. In this way, soldiers and
junior leaders get involved in their own professional development and learn more in the process.
Controllers, umpires, and evaluators must provide comments to the units with which they work. AARs
occur during the exercises or as soon after them as practical. During lengthy exercises, they occur at
predetermined times following significant activities. Controllers, umpires, and evaluators coordinate with
respective OPFOR and player commanders to determine who will attend. The chief controllers schedule
ARRs in convenient locations, preferably quiet places protected from adverse weather, where the soldiers
can feel relatively comfortable. Coffee and soup help create the proper atmosphere. Regardless of the
echelon conducting the exercise, the maximum number of player personnel should attend an AAR, down
to and including the first-line NCO leaders and soldiers. Exercises at battalion and above normally
conduct separate AARs at each echelon.
AARs cover both the strengths and the weaknesses associated with-●
Tactics.
●
Combined arms employment.
●
Command and control.
●
Communications.
FM 25-4 Appendix G
●
Survivability.
●
Personnel and logistics support.
They encourage dialogue among controllers, evaluators, umpires, and player unit personnel so that
everyone will have the opportunity to discuss the conduct of the exercise. AARs highlight lessons
learned and alternative solutions. The chief controllers provide agendas for the reviews. The agendas
then become outlines for the formal after-action reports, which are written concurrently with or
immediately after the exercise.
PREPARATION
In order to conduct AARs, chief controllers must have a complete picture of what happened in the
exercises. They base the AARs on comments provided by controllers, umpires, evaluators, and OPFORs.
They must debrief the controllers immediately after ENDEX to determine what happened. They must
also debrief the OPFORs, which as control elements, are in advantageous positions to observe player
units.
If the controllers know something occurred that they could not observe, they should ask a player unit
member who was involved exactly what happened, but not why or how. The why and how will be
presented by the player during the AAR. Figure 36 provides a possible format they could use for making
detailed observations during exercises. By collecting and recording the data from these working papers,
chief controllers get the information needed to conduct AARs. After gathering all the information, the
chief controllers review the exercises to determine the sequence of events and the cause and effect
relationships for all significant activities. The chief controllers then coordinate the AARs and outline an
agenda. Table 57 shows a possible agenda for the AAR of a platoon-or company-size maneuver unit in
an offensive role using TES.
FM 25-4 Appendix G
CONDUCT
Each AAR contains three major steps:
●
A restatement of training objectives.
●
A discussion of all events and how they are related, in order to bring out teaching points.
●
A summary of the AAR and a recommendation for subsequent training to correct weaknesses and
sustain strengths.
The chief controller briefly restates the specific training objectives. The AAR normally covers only the
training objectives that the commander identified prior to the exercise. The chief controller then guides a
discussion of events and their relationships by-●
●
Asking leading questions that emphasize the training objectives.
Having the unit members describe what happened in their own words and from their own points
of view. Key elements of the AAR are the unit commander's visualization of the battle, the
commander's concept, the actual events, and the reasons why they happened.
●
Bringing out important lessons learned.
●
Relating tactical events to subsequent results.
●
Exploring alternative courses of action that might have been more effective.
FM 25-4 Appendix G
●
Avoiding detailed examination of events not directly related to major training objectives.
Diagrams or overlays help players visualize what happened during the exercise. For example, the
assembly area and the objective could be shown first. As the AAR proceeds, routes of advance and
engagement locations can be shown later as the exercise events are covered.
The chief controller concludes the AAR with a quick summary. After the summary, the chief controller
privately discusses individual and unit performance with unit leaders. They discuss weaknesses honestly
and candidly in order to improve performance. But like the whole AAR, this portion should be positive
and encourage proud, confident units. Training objectives for subsequent exercises can derive from such
an analysis.
ECHELONS
Most training exercises integrate several systems such as maneuver, fire support, intelligence, engineer,
and maintenance support. They are intersystem exercises. Others train only one system, regardless of its
complexity. They are intrasystem exercises. AARs are conducted either consecutively or concurrently at
each echelon that took part in the exercise.
For a division FTX, each echelon's AAR discusses items and events relating to the exercise objectives,
unit OPORD, and TSOP as they affected the unit's mission. CS units also conduct multiechelon AARs
following exercises or after major phases or events during an exercise. FA, ADA, and combat engineer
units have special considerations that affect their AARs. CS units normally provide elements, such as
FIST and fire sup-port sections, that associate and collocate with maneuver units. These personnel should
attend both the maneuver unit AAR and the parent unit AAR. If one person cannot attend both AARs, a
representative should attend each one. Commanders of DS units (FA, engineer) should attend the
maneuver brigade (third-echelon) AAR and may wish to schedule the DS unit AAR later.
First Echelon
As soon after ENDEX as possible, the company umpire holds an AAR for the company commander,
leaders, and soldiers. A maneuver company AAR will discuss-●
Engagements.
●
Use of terrain.
●
Suppression of enemy weapons.
●
Coordination of fire and maneuver.
FM 25-4 Appendix G
●
Employment of antitank weapons.
●
Employment of other organic and sup-porting weapon systems.
For example, during the FTX, antitank weapons engaged OPFOR units from defensive positions at the
maximum range of 3,000 meters. The OPFOR dispersed instead of entering a kill zone where Dragons
could have been employed. The AAR discusses the pros and cons of this event and the tactical
procedures. It explores what should have happened and what the results might have been.
During an FTX, elements of CSS units are normally assigned to support maneuver units or areas. After
ENDEX, members of CSS units attend the first-echelon AAR of the sup-ported maneuver unit. Those in
forward areas should remain in position and attend the AAR of the maneuver unit being supported.
Those in rear areas such as field trains should attend the AAR conducted there.
A first-echelon AAR should also be held at company level for CSS units. For example, the maintenance
company umpire should conduct an AAR for the commander, leaders, and soldiers. This AAR must be
delayed until all members attending maneuver unit or other AARs can arrive and until evaluator
observations are compiled. A maintenance company AAR will discuss-●
The capability to repair equipment as far forward as possible.
●
Provision of spare parts.
●
Optimum use of available spare parts.
●
Communications.
●
Availability of proper tools.
●
Response time to requests for repair.
●
Coordination procedures with supported units.
●
Tactical operations (rear area security) and survival operations.
It will also discuss how the contact team can get enough information from the unit requesting support so
that supervisors send the right personnel equipped with the right tools forward to make repairs.
Second Echelon
Second-echelon AARs are conducted only after the first-echelon AARs are held and the necessary
FM 25-4 Appendix G
observations are recorded. Battalion umpires conduct second-echelon AARs. Battalion commanders,
staffs, company commanders, and officers and non-commissioned officers down to platoon sergeants or
the equivalent attend. At this echelon, AARs are professional discussions led by commanders and
battalion umpires to examine what happened, why it happened, and what alternatives should be used in
different tactical situations. A maneuver battalion AAR might discuss-●
Organization for combat.
●
Concept of operation and scheme of maneuver.
●
Fire support coordination.
●
Combat engineer support.
●
Employment of antitank weapon systems.
●
Communication support.
●
Target acquisition systems.
●
Staff coordination.
●
Administrative and logistical support.
●
Integration and orchestration of all CA, CS, and CSS elements.
●
Probable results for alternate courses of action.
For example, the AAR might discuss why the battalion did not use combat engineer support properly as a
combat multiplier and how ineffective planning resulted in inadequate preparation of the battlefield. The
lessons learned can apply to the next exercise. The engineer officer who supported the battalion should
be present to discuss the proper use of combat engineers.
A maintenance battalion AAR will cover-●
Systematic procedures for requesting spare parts.
●
Procedures for dispatching contact teams to support maneuver units.
●
Training shortcomings in specific maintenance areas.
FM 25-4 Appendix G
●
Communication procedures.
●
Maintenance system operations with units above and below battalion level.
●
The effect of terrain, weather, and intensity of combat on the demand for various types of spare
parts.
●
The effect of new weapon systems on maintenance procedures.
●
Recovery and evacuation.
●
Controlled substitution.
●
Maintenance collection points.
●
Operational safety.
●
Operational readiness plan.
●
Mission essential maintenance only (MEMO).
●
Calibration.
●
Repair facility sites.
For example, the AAR might discuss the procedures for dispatching contact teams to perform forward
area maintenance and how a lack of organic transportation degraded responsiveness. The AAR addresses
alternate means of transportation available to the battalion and procedures to obtain and use them. If the
unit SOP seems to be in error, the discussion should focus on correcting and validating it in the next
similar exercise.
Third Echelon
Third-echelon AARs are conducted after the second-echelon AARs are completed, allowing enough time
for compiling necessary observations and examining lessons learned at the battalion level. Brigade
umpires conduct third-echelon AARs for the commanders, staffs, and appropriate non-commissioned
officers. Battalion commanders, their staffs, and company commanders attend. AARs at this echelon are
professional discussions of what happened and why. However, third-echelon AARs include-●
Operations under limited visibility.
FM 25-4 Appendix G
●
Tactical operations in an NBC environment.
●
The impact of new systems and doctrine on operations.
●
Intelligence preparation of the battlefield.
●
Tactical operations against different enemy actions.
●
Effects of enemy EW activity on friendly operations.
●
Integration and use of all CA, CS, and CSS assets.
If the exercise were conducted in summer under ideal conditions, the AAR could discuss how the same
operation would be conducted in winter on frozen ground and with limited visibility. Under such
conditions, operation planning would have to consider-●
Increased control measures.
●
Degraded air support.
●
Limitations on target acquisition.
●
Effects of cold weather on troops and equipment.
●
The impact on logistical systems.
Third-echelon AARs conducted for the DISCOM should be attended by the commander, staff,
subordinate battalion commanders and staff, and company commanders. Representatives from maneuver
and combat support units (FA, engineer, ADA) should also attend. These AARs should cover all aspects
of CSS during the exercise and their impact on the tactical operation. Topics for discussion include-●
Medical support and casualty evacuation.
●
Personnel and administrative support.
●
Supply system operations.
●
Maintenance procedures.
●
Transportation.
FM 25-4 Appendix G
●
Ammunition hauling and stockpiling.
The AAR discusses the time units actually spent supporting exercise requirements as opposed to the time
they spent on scenario events. The AAR compares the training benefits received from responding to
actual situations caused by the exercise to the benefits from simulated situations. The lessons learned
from this comparison allow planners to schedule events for CSS units during future exercises. They also
provide indicators of what will actually be required in combat and allow commanders to fine tune
support systems and procedures.
Fourth Echelon
Fourth-echelon AARs bring together comments from all previous AARs and the exercise in general. The
exercise director and control staff conduct these AARs. Those attending are division commanders and
staffs, along with the commanders and staffs of the DISCOM, the maneuver brigades, and their battalion
commanders. Fourth-echelon AARs focus on the exercise objectives and the degree to which they were
accomplished. They are professional discussions of the effects of decisions made in response to changes
in the battlefield environment. They discuss battle staff training, survivability operations, and the CA,
CS, and CSS integration necessary to fight and win air-land battles. They discuss how new systems
impact on operations.
AFTER-ACTION REPORTS
Formal after-action reports should be submitted as soon after training exercises as practical. Normally,
this is no longer than one to two weeks. Exercise directors are responsible for producing this report.
The written after-action reports inform all units about combat, CS, and CSS problems encountered during
the exercise. They document strengths and weaknesses of operations. They also include test results on
new tactics, techniques, and equipment. Commanders and staffs should use them as input for long-and
short-range planning for training. The format and content of after-action reports vary from one command
to another. Exercise LOIs should provide guidance for the format. See Figure 37 for a sample after-action
report.
FM 25-4 Appendix G
FM 25-4 Glossary
RDL
Glossary
A
AAFCE Allied Air Forces, Central Europe
AAR after-action review
AC Active Component
ACC area coordination center
ACCB air cavalry combat brigade
ACE Allied Command, Europe
ACR armored cavalry regiment
ADA air defense artillery
ADM atomic demolition munition
ADP automatic data processing
AFCENT Allied Forces, Central Europe
AFNORTH Allied Forces, Northern Europe
AFSOUTH Allied Forces, Southern Europe
AG adjutant general
AH attack helicopter
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FM 25-4 Glossary
ALO air liaison officer
AMEDD Army Medical Department
APC armored personnel carrier
AR Army regulation
ARTBASS Army Training Battle Simulation System
ARTEP Army Training and Evaluation Program
ASA aviation support activity
ASIC all-source intelligence center
ASOC air support operations center
ATGM antitank guided missile
ATLAS A Tactical, Logistical, and Air Simulation
AVKP armored vehicle kill probability
AVLB armored vehicle launched bridge
B
BAI battlefield air interdiction
BC battalion through corps
BCC battery control center
BDA bomb damage assessment
bde brigade
BE Belgium
FM 25-4 Glossary
BMNT before morning nautical twilight
bn battalion
BR Britain
C
C confidential
CA combat arms
CAA combined arms army
cal caliber
CAMMS Computer-Assisted Map Maneuver Simulation
CAS close air support
CATTS Combined Arms Tactical Training Simulator
CBR chemical, biological, and radiological
CBU cluster bomb unit
CC company commander
CENTAG Central Army Group, Central Europe
CEV combat engineer vehicle
CEWI combat electronic warfare intelligence
CFX combined field exercise
cal caliber
C/F command/fire
FM 25-4 Glossary
CI counterintelligence
CINCUSAREUR commander in chief, United States Army Europe
cml chemical
CMO civil-military operations
co company
COL colonel
COMMZ communications zone
CONUS continental United States
COSCOM corps support command
CP command post
CPT captain
CPX command post exercise
CS combat support
CSH combat support hospital
ctg cartridge
CSS combat service support
CTX combined training exercise
C/V Chaparral/Vulcan
D
DA Department of the Army
FM 25-4 Glossary
DACCS Department of the Army Command and Control System
DAME division airspace management element
DD Department of Defense
DEPEX deployment exercise
DISCO division support command
div division
DIVARTY division artillery
DMMC division materiel management center
DS direct support
DST director station trailer
DTG date-time group
E
E exercise (STARTEX)
EAC echelons above corps
ECC exercise control center
ECM electronic countermeasures
EDRE emergency deployment readiness exercise
EEI essential elements of information
ENCOM Engineer Command
ENDEX end of the exercise
FM 25-4 Glossary
EPW enemy prisoner of war
E/TA electronic target acquisition
ESM electronic warfare support measures
EUCOM European Command
EW electronic warfare
F
FA field artillery
FAAR forward area altering area
FAC forward air controller
FARP forward arming and refueling point
FASCO forward area support coordinator
FCX fire coordination exercise
FDC fire direction center
FEBA forward edge of the battle area
1SG first sergeant
FIST fire support team
FM frequency modulated
FO forward observor
FORSCOM US Army Forces Command
FPF final protective fire
FM 25-4 Glossary
FR France
FRAGO fragmentary order
FS fire support
FSC fire support coordinator
FSE fire support element
FSO fire support officer
FSS fire support section
FTX field training exercise
G
G1 assistant chief of staff, G1 personnel
G2 assistant chief of staff, G2 intelligence
G3 assistant chief of staff, G3 operations and plans
G4 assistant chief of staff, G4 logistics
G5 assistant chief of staff, G5 civil affairs
GBU guided bomb unit
GDR German Democratic Republic (East Germany)
GE Germany, Federal Republic of (West Germany)
GLLD ground laser locator dectector
GP general purpose
GS general support
FM 25-4 Glossary
GT gun-target
GTA graphic training aid
H
HAWK homing-all-the-way killer
HC high concentrate
HE high explosive
HELLFIRE Heliborne Laser Fire-and-Forget Missile System
HQ headquarters
HTF how-to-fight
I
ID identification
IPB intelligence preparation of the battlefield
IPR in-process review
J
JCS Joint Chiefs of Staff
JTX joint training exercise
JVB joint visitor's bureau
K
KIA killed in action
FM 25-4 Glossary
KT kiloton
L
LAW light antitank weapon
lb pound
LC line of contact
LD line of departure
LFX live-fire exercise
LOC lines of communication
LOI letter of instruction
LT lieutenant
LTC lieutenant colonel
M
m meter
MAB mobile assault bridge
MAC maneuver area command
MACE Military Air Cargo Export System
MAJ major
MAPEX map exercise
MBA main battle area
FM 25-4 Glossary
MCC movement control center
MEDCEN medical center
MEDCOM Medical Command
MEDDAC medical activity
MEMO mission essential maintenance only
MEDMOD Medical Module
METT mission, enemy, terrain, and troops available
MI military intelligence
MILES Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System
MLB metallic link belt
mm millimeter
MMC materiel management center
MOPP mission-oriented protection posture
MOS military occupational specialty
MOUT military operations on urbanized terrain
MP military police
MRL multiple rocket launcher
MSG master sergeant
MSR main supply route
MST maintenance support team
MTC maneuver training command
FM 25-4 Glossary
MTOE modification table of organization and equipment
N
NA not applicable
NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization
NBC nuclear, biological, chemical
NCO noncommissioned officer
NCOIC noncommissioned officer in charge
NL Netherlands
NOE nap-of-the-earth
NORTHAG Northern Army Group, Central Europe
NTC National Training Center
O
OB order of battle
O/O on order
OH observation helicopter
O/I operations/intelligence
OIC officer in charge
OP observation post
OPCOM operational command
FM 25-4 Glossary
OPFOR opposing force
OPLAN operation plan
OPORD operation order
OPSEC operations security
P
P&A personnel and administration
pam pamphlet
PL phase line
PAC personnel and administration center
PAO public affairs officer
PDF point detonating fuze
PERSCOM Personnel Command
PFC private first class
POMCUS pre-positioning of materiel configured to unit sets
PSYOP psychological operations
PW prisoner of war
PWRM pre-positioned war reserve materiel
R
RACO rear area combat operations
RATELO radio telephone operator
FM 25-4 Glossary
RC Reserve Component
REALTRAIN realistic training
REFORGER redeployment of forces to Germany
RG Reserve Guard
S
S secret
S&T supply and transportation
S1 adjutant
S2 intelligence officer
S3 operations and training officer
S4 logistics officer
S5 civil affairs officer
SACEUR supreme allied commander, Europe
SAM surface-to-air missile
SFC sergeant first class
SGT sergeant
SASP special ammunition supply point
SHORAD short-range air defense
SIDPERS Standard Installation Division Personnel System
SITREP situation report
FM 25-4 Glossary
SJA staff judge advocate
SOP standing operating procedure
SP self-propelled
SP4 specialist 4
SQT skill qualification test
SSG staff sergeant
SSI specialty skill identifier
SSN social security number
SSO special security officer
STANAG standarization agreement
STARTEX start of the exercise
STRAC Standards in Training Commission
STX situational training exercise
T
t ton
T&E training and evaluation
T&EO training and evaluation outline
TA theater army
TAACOM theater army area command
TAB target acquisition battery
FM 25-4 Glossary
TACC tactical air control center
TACP tactical air control party
TACSIM tactical simulation
TADS Target Alerting Data Display Set
TASC training and audiovisual support center
TC training circular
TD tactical deception
TDA tables of distribution and allowance
TES tactical engagement simulation
TEWT tactical exercise without troops
TF task force
TNT trinitrotoluene (dynamite)
TOC tactical operations center
TOE table(s) of organization and equipment
TOT time over target
TOW tube-launched, optically-tracked, wire-guided missile
TPT target practice tracer
TRAC training resource assistance center
TRANSCOM Transporation Command
TSOP tactical standing operating procedure
FM 25-4 Glossary
U
U unclassified
US United States
UK United Kingdom
USACAC US Army Combined Arms Center
USAF US Air Force
USAREUR US Army, Europe
USATSC US Army Training Support Command
USSR Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
V
VA Virginia
VB visitor's bureau
vs versus
W
WIA wounded in action
WO warrant officer
WP white phosphorus
X
XO executive officer
FM 25-4 References
RDL
References
AR 310-31 Management Systems for Tables of Organization and Equipment
AR 310-49 The Army Authorization Document System (TAADS)
AR 570-2 Organization and Equipment Authorization Tables: Personnel
FM 25-1 Training
FM 25-2 How to Manage Training in Units
FM 25-3 How to Conduct Training in Units
FM 30-102 Opposing Forces: Europe
FM 34-71 Opposing Forces Training Module: North Korean Military Forces
FM 41-5 Joint Manual for Civil Affairs
FM 41-10 Civil Affairs Operations
FM 44-1 (HTF) US Army Air Defense Artillery Employment
FM 44-3 (HTF) Air Defense Artillery Employment, Chaparral/Vulcan
FM 44-4 Operation and Training, Chaparral
FM 44-23 US Army Air Defense Artillery Employment, Redeye
FM 44-90 US Army Air Defense Artillery Employment, Hawk
FM 44-95 Air Defense Artillery Employment, Nike Hercules
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FM 25-4 References
FM 101-5 Staff Officer Field Manual: Staff Organization and Procedures
FM 101-10-1 Staff Officer Field Manual: Organizational, Technical and Logistic Data
TC 25-1 Training Land: Unit Training Land Requirement
TC 25-3 Training Ammunition
TC 25-6 Tactical Engagement Simulation Training with MILES
USATSC Bulletin 82-1 Battle Simulations
USACGSC 101-1 Organizational Data for the Army in the Field
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FM 25-4 Authorization Letter
RDL
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How to Conduct Training Exercises

Transcription

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